The Task Force was appointed by Cabinet on May 18, 2001 and was to be in operation for one year in preparation for Local Government elections, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said yesterday. It held its first meeting on May 22, 2001 and continued its meetings during the one-year period, the agency noted.

The term of the body expired on May 18 last and the Task Force has submitted a letter to President Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition Leader, Mr. Desmond Hoyte seeking an extension of its tenure.

According to Collymore, discussions are ongoing between the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Reepu Daman Persaud and a representative of the main Opposition People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Mr. Lance Carberry.

The discussions focus on the various committees that were set up and whether they will be given an extension to complete their mandate, GINA said.

Collymore said the Government is in favour of extending the life of the Task Force which was mandated to hold consultations in the regions to canvass the views of residents.

Thirty-one consultations were held in the regions and the Task Force was able to gather recommendations from residents on how to make the governing process at the local level more efficient, the agency said.

The body has been in the process of compiling a report for President Jagdeo and Mr. Hoyte on the recommendations and other issues arising out of the consultations. After the report is presented to President Jagdeo and Hoyte, GINA said, it will be tabled in Parliament.

International help was sought through the National Democratic Institute which provided two experts, who offered advice on the electoral systems and the garnering of resources.

GINA said the experts also presented options which will aid in reforming the current Local Government system.

The body has been addressing two key areas of expertise: the garnering of resources, whereby the various local government organs have to be advised as to how to widen their revenue base; and getting advice on the electoral system to be used.

An expert on electoral systems, Dr. Benjamin Reilly from Australia presented six options on electoral systems to the Task Force which the body reviewed to make changes envisaged, GINA said.

Professor Randall Crane, an expert on garnering of resources was also here to give assistance in this field, the agency said.

The Joint Task Force emerged out of the dialogue between President Jagdeo and Hoyte.