Ministries meet on Local Govt Reform

Present at the meeting were Permanent Secretaries at the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, Jacinta Bailey-Sobers, and Joy Persad-Myers as well as Permanent Secretary at the Rural Development and Local Government Ministry, Desdra Bascombe, and other members of both Ministries’ executive teams.

The Task Force for Local Government Reform was also represented by several of its members.

Technical and Field Officers of both Ministries were also present.

Among the items discussed were, the objectives of the reform, the services proposed for devolution and possible challenges to the reform process. Discussions also included possible approaches to the transition of services and the legislative amendments which may be required to effect the reform as it relates to social service delivery. Other key areas identified by the Ministry representatives to be addressed included: Capacity Building/Training; Recruitment/Staffing; Accommodation; Change Management and Culture.

Both ministries agreed that there was the need for further dialogue and to continue to work together to ensure that there is a clear understanding of what is required for the transition to Local Government Reform.