Abolish the Ministry of Local Gov't
published: Tuesday | November 22, 2005

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I AGREE in principle with the letter advocating a less-centralised governing system in Jamaica. Local government in Jamaica will always be irrelevant if parishes are unable to raise revenue for themselves and manage their own budgets.

AN OXYMORON

The first step is to abolish the Ministry of Local Government (an oxymoron if I ever saw one), then transfer the collection of property taxes to the parishes. The second step is for credible candidates to run for the councils, with non-partisan elections (i.e. not representing the JLP or the PNP).

However, what we really need is a complete overhaul of the system of government. An entirely new constitution with express limits on central government authority is essential to allow the growth of grassroots democracy.

I am, etc.,

STEFAN P. A. BRAND

anynamethatworks@hotmail.com

Orlando, FL

Via Go-Jamaica