Earl Moxam, Senior Gleaner Writer
THE SENATE yesterday passed a Bill giving full legal status to the Association of Local Government Authorities (ALGA).
The Bill is entitled 'An Act for the Incorporation of the Association of Local Government Authorities of Jamaica and the vesting of Certain Property in the Body so Incorporated'.
Attorney-General A.J Nicholson, who piloted the Bill, told the Senate that the ALGA and its predecessor bodies had, for the past 80 years, provided exemplary leadership for the country's local government bodies.
Nevertheless, he said, the organisation had been hampered in its work because it lacked the required legal status as a registered company, under the Companies Act.
This, he explained, meant that the association, as an unincorporated body, was not able to enter into contracts or other legal arrangements, whether locally or internationally, or hold property.
As a result the body has had to confine itself to advocacy on behalf of its members and their interests.
With the changes contemplated, he said, "The work of ALGA will be considerably enhanced by having corporate status and having the right of succession, being able to enter into contracts or other arrangements, whether local or international."
Ironically, however, as Government Member Noel Monteith revealed, it was only in 1999, during the presidency of Ralph Anglin, then Mayor of Savanna-la-Mar, that it was discovered that ALGA was not a legal entity, which gave rise to the legislation being drafted and brought to Parliament.
The Bill was passed, but with the understanding that it would be brought back at a later date for further amendments.
One such amendment, on the recommendation of Opposition Senator Bruce Golding, should give recognition to Municipal Auth-orities, was created last year via new legislation.
Senator Golding pointed out that the existing Constitution and General Rules of the ALGA stipulate that the membership be confined to all councillors of the Parish Councils and the Kingston & St. Andrew Corporation.
Under that rule, he said, George Lee, the Mayor of the newly-created Portmore municipality, was not eligible for membership of the ALGA, since he was directly elected, and was therefore not a member of the St. Catherine Parish Council.
