THE EDITOR, Sir:
I MUST offer kudos to Minister of Local Government, Community Development and Sport, the Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller, for her outright frankness of future intentions for Local Government in Jamaica, and sincerely hope there will be co-operation to achieve her projected goals.
I wish to correct what seems to be an error, under the achievements of Local Government Re Establishment of Portmore City Council by St. Catherine Parish Council.
Portmore City Council came about at the insistence of the people of Portmore and its environs under the leadership of the joint Citizens' Association's president Mr. George Lee, who is now the Mayor of the Municipality. The first to be elected by voters.
It is observed that the Minister has promised to fight to ensure that Councils are provided with adequate resources as needed, to deliver quality service to the people of the various divisions throughout Jamaica.
The Hon. Minister must be supported in these endeavours. I ask further of Minister Portia Simpson-Miller to assist in creating the flow of resources to the Parish Councils so that they can become more autonomous.
One area to start with to enhance the flow of resources to Council should be.
(a) Betting, gaming, lottery tax, licence to operate shops, tax from winnings and all levies collected in each parish to remain in each parish as part of local revenue inflow.
The Minister of Local Government, Community Development and Sport needs to be more assertive to have the matter of Local Government Reform become a reality. Nonetheless one must appreciate and admire the Hon. Minister and congratulate her on being an outstanding, hardworking, honest-minded Minister of Government.
I wish her well, press on, conquer the obstacles, and achieve for Jamaica/Jamaicans the best service at the local level.
I am, etc.,
B. ST. E. ANGLIN
Ensom City
St. Catherine
