MAYOR OF PORT Maria Robert 'Bobby' Montague has been elected chairman of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF).
He was elected at the recent meeting of the Forum in Kampala, Uganda.
Mayor Montague was one of two vice-chairmen of the 10-year-old forum that comprises the 53-member countries of the Commonwealth.
According to Secretary-General of the CLGF Carl Wright, the forum was pleased that Mayor Montague has become the first Caribbean person to head the forum.
"Exciting times are ahead of the CLGF," he said.
Speaking with The Gleaner, Mr. Montague said as chairman of the Forum, he would be seeking to advance the efforts of some Caribbean countries to establish a system of local government while trying to improve the system in the other regional countries. Against this background, Mayor Montague says a consultant will soon arrive in Jamaica to facilitate the regional efforts.
Mr. Montague also believes his ascension, as head of the Forum will help to highlight the region, as a number of meetings organized by the Forum will be held in the Caribbean.
