Real democracy and national development
published: Wednesday | July 23, 2003
THE EDITOR, Sir:
NOW THAT the Local Government Elections are over, we have three years to carry out genuine reform of this area of governance. I propose full separation of Central and Local Government.
Central Government will keep responsibility for national issues and Local Government will take responsibility for fire-fighting, emergency services, public health, clinics, Petty Sessions and Resident Magistrates' Courts, basic and primary education, parks and markets, minor roads, garbage collection, and a local police force (now the Island Special Constabulary Force) for control of traffic, public order, petty crimes, robberies and domestic disputes.
For improved efficiency, we can use the parish groupings of Cornwall, Middlesex and Surrey.
Electors in each parish would vote for two Council members, as well as the head of the council. Organisations such as the Jamaica Agricultural Society and Chamber of Commerce would elect a member each, to sit on the County Council.
The Council would hire a County Manager and would appoint the heads of the Treasury, Public Works, Public Health, Public Safety and the Public Education departments.
