Dear Editor,
It is with some trepidation that I pen these few words on the ongoing exchanges regarding the management of the affairs of Georgetown, our capital city.
The reemergence of the idea of an Interim Management Committee for the former garden city evoked memories of a troubled colonial past. Reference is made here to the evils of colonial times in general and of the imposition on the people of this country of an Interim Government in particular. It is also the case I believe, that since the vaunted restoration of democracy, an Interim Management Committee was installed and headed by Dr James Rose, who ironically has pronounced eruditely on the ills of the colonial Interim Government.
It would, I suspect be hard to find many, if any,(except perhaps a former Minister of Local Government) who would not wish to see a cleaner Georgetown, one managed in a way and endowed with a charm and a beauty of which we all can be proud. I hope Mayor Green and his councillors share these sentiments. I hope the government does so as well.
In a sense I admire Mayor Green’s “stick-to-itivness”. Were I in his shoes however I would have resigned long ago. But then I suppose I would have run the risk of being accused of betraying the trust of the people who elected me.
To my mind the real question is whether the problems of Georgetown should be addressed by the adoption of a colonial aberration. Are there not other options which have the attribute of satisfying the norms of democracy as well as being respectful of the principles of good governance? I think so. I offer a few suggestions.
First, hold the long postponed elections thus enabling the citizens to choose those who should manage the affairs of the city. Second, implement already agreed reform measures. Third, build the capacity of the municipality to enable it to function efficiently.
Additionally, it would be helpful if the government were to demonstrate a more forthcoming attitude in its dealings with the municipality in recognition of the fact that the interests of the citizens and the country are pre-eminent.
Yours faithfully,
Rashleigh E Jackson
