Community linkages are vital for development in Guyana and the Government of Guyana remains committed to providing assistance needed by the communities.
Minister of Culture Youth and Sports Gail Teixeira, while addressing a regional conference of Community Development Councils (CDC) in Region Six Sunday, noted that the Government cannot do it alone and the trend across the world is now citizen's participation.
Describing the role as critical for the development of Guyana she informed the conference represented by over 50 CDCs that the Government "recognizes this and wishes to work with you".
CDC is an important ally and partner and plays an extremely critical role for the Government - they contribute an amazing amount of self help hours and the level of volunteer time" the minister related.
Areas the Minister identified included, strengthening capacity and teaching. She gave the assurance that the local Government is responding and listening and trying to deal with issues, but noted that sometimes some things cannot be done, as they would desire.
Minister counseled the members of the CDCs to establish, strengthen and reach out to the youth, sports and culture clubs in their communities. She added that the members of the youth clubs will be the future volunteers in the CDCs in the next few years.
Minister further added that throughout the world CDCs are recognized for playing an important part in an agreement in which the state, citizens and other groups are working in partnership, in a constructive fashion.
She observed that there are many problems while pushing for change and some groups will try to lobby, others have petition or invite an official to the community. She also noted that some will also form a delegation and approach the relevant senior authority and some choose to break up.
While noting that community problems will vary the Minister highlighted the situation in Georgetown.
According to the Minister the major problem CDCs face is trying to keep the city clean. They have secured donations of pitchforks, shovels, and plastic bags, even volunteers to help and after hours of cleaning, next morning, it is littered all over again the Minister explained.
Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Philip Hamilton informed the conference that the pull factor is creditability and urged them to be transparent and fair in their dealings. He added if a member of the CDC desires to bid for a contract, he or she should inform the committee and pull out of the deliberations.
PS Hamilton also outlined the correct approach to take and advised on practices that must be avoided.
Also making presentations at the Conference were: Region Six Chairman Kumkarran Ramdass; Community Relations Officer in Region Six, Faizal Jaffarally and National Director of the CDCs Philomena Sahoe-Shury.
Each CDC presented a brief report, and received certificates in honour of their contribution to community development.
The Conference covered CDCs from Mara to Bush Lot and a similar conference will be held early 2004 for CDCs from Bush lot to Crabwood Creek.
A number of conferences were held in other regions and some 400 CDCs have been established around the country to date.