Khan outlines Local Government reform plans

The reforms would make the “common man happy” he said, which will keep the PNM in power “forever.” “To tell you how serious we are about this process he has said that when this local gov reform process goes to its natural conclusion,” said Khan who was recently appointed Energy Minister.

“The Ministry of Local Government will be retired because there will no longer be a need for the Minister of Local Government.” According to Khan, mayors and chairmen of regional corporations will have similar degrees of authority held by the Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary which means they will no longer be “reporting” to the Finance Minister but will “have a relationship with” the Minister.

He explained that this meant that no minister had the power to intervene on decisions made by Councillors for their corporations. When funds are allocated, the council now will have the autonomy to decide how it is spent. “When the council decides we are going to pave roads A, B and C, there is no minister that could intervene and say don’t pave roads A, B and C (but) pave roads E,G and H instead.” Khan announced that corporations will now be held accountable by the Auditor General on a yearly basis. He also said the Integrity in Public Life Act will be expanded to include the Chief Executive Officers of Corporations and some lower ranking members of administration because most of the accusations of corruption were made against them.