THE EDITOR, Sir:
LOCAL GOVERNMENT in Jamaica has had a long history. The unit of local government in Jamaica has always been called parish, with 14 parishes originally, but amalgamated for local government purposes which made Kingston and St. Andrew a combined local authority.Each local authority (13 in number) is a separate legal entity; and none superior or inferior to the other. Be reminded that in 1841 there were up to 22 parishes in Jamaica. It was in 1867 that the parishes were reduced to 14 parishes after Emancipation and the abolition of the vestries. All of this resulted from the Morant Bay Rebellion.
It was the limited services of the vestries which had become increasingly irresponsible, corrupt and inefficient, along with racial discrimination in the provision of poor relief that brought about the Morant Bay Rebellion. 1886 saw the structure of local government being created.
Kingston and St. Andrew were formally united in 1923 to become the KSAC. It was in 1956 that final changes from parochial boards to Parish Council was made and the elected members called councillors. The chairman was given the title of Mayor of the chief town of the parish.
The role of local government has not been properly examined and redefined for modern Jamaica. It has been patched and altered and in some areas suspended for a period, and most are not financially viable nor are they rooted in strong communities.
Resulting from recommendations, piecemeal implementation of reform to local government has been carried out from time to time over the years, with no sense of will or purpose to complete the process.
The objectives of local government are primarily to provide services such as public health, poor relief, water supply, fire brigades, markets and street lighting. They also see to the prevention of certain public nuisances and the control of building construction and road and drainage maintenance. However, Local Government must work within the framework decided by Parliament and if it operates outside of such the action is ultra vires.
In any civilised society people must have the assurance that the basic necessities of life will be readily available water, roads, fire brigade response, clinics, mosquito control, relief for the less fortunate, curbing the spread of disease, street cleaning and sanitary markets. The importance of local government and its services can hardly be exaggerated.
Because of the importance of local government administration it is vital that all officers and staff be trained, are qualified and are paid accordingly.
Individual councillors have the duty to represent all inhabitants of their electoral division. They are not in the position for the privileges and prestige. Their responsibilities are heavy especially when it is considered how difficult it can be to act impartially, honestly and without fear or favour. Notwithstanding the difficulty this is what councillors should measure up to in order to serve properly.
Councillors are meant to be in every nook and corner of their division, seeing the people, motivating them to be good citizens, advising where possible when asked and liaising with their MP's, all in the interest of the people in their division. They should keep their constituents informed as also the public of the actions and discussions made in Council.
With the upcoming local government election it is hoped that prospective representatives set themselves standards of representation they intend to deliver and deliver well.
I am, etc.,
B.St. E. ANGLIN
Ensom City
Spanish Town
