UNC knocks local govt bill as

"Taken from our P O L I T I C S section.

The Opposition has rejected Government’s Bill to amend the Municipal Corporations Act, 1990, charging that it is a deceptive attempt to control regional corporations.

The Opposition has asked Government to withdraw the bill, and to call local government elections on July 12, instead of next year.

The bill, piloted by Local Government Minister Rennie Dumas, seeks to extend the term of office of councillors employed by the corporations, but does not include mayors, chairmen and aldermen.

Dumas said the amendment is part of Government’s overall plan to reform local government policy as outlined in a white paper report.

However, Chaguanas MP, Manohar Ramsaran, called for the dismissal of the entire bill, and the announcement of local government elections next Wednesday. “Elections are due on July 12. But you have postponed the elections for one year and now you are coming with a white paper on local government reform, and asking for an extra 12 months for councillors. But if you are keeping one, keep all. You want to have the results of the elections without elections!” Manohar shouted, to vigorous desk-thumping from his colleagues.

“We would like Government to withdraw this bill and call the elections.

“With this bill you can go and fire the chairman of the Rio Claro/Mayaro Regional Corporation and control Mayaro.”

Ramsaran warned, “This is a short bill with three or four clauses but it is so dangerous. It has come like a thief in the night!”

Fyzabad MP Chandresh Sharma said the bill contradicts Prime Minister Patrick Manning’s statement in the House on May 26 that Government would bring legislation to extend the term of local government bodies for one year.

“But the minister is now saying that mayors, aldermen and chairmen are not included,” he noted.

He quoted from the Municipal Corporations Act, which stated that a local government council comprised mayors, chairmen, aldermen and councillors. Calling for a ten-minute adjournment of the House to revisit the Act, Sharma said, “This amendment sets the stage for the removal of some mayors, chairmen and aldermen.

Why are you using Parliament to do your dirty work? We must not be used to get rid of somebody you have a fallout with.”

He said the Opposition has proposed a simple amendment; any mayor who wished to leave a corporation, should resign.