Councillors Urged to Perform Professionally

State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, with responsibility for Local Government Reform, Robert Montague, has called on Councillors to discharge their statutory duties in a professional manner.
Mr. Montague emphasised that this would earn the trust and confidence of the people they serve.
He was speaking at the St. Ann Parish Council’s Open Day, which was held recently at the St. Ann’s Bay Anglican Church Hall.
“Councillors must take their positions seriously, because it is a position with a lot of responsibility. In the new dispensation, much is going to be expected of you by the Government and by members of the public,” he told the Councillors in attendance.
The State Minister, urged members of the public to form partnerships with the Parish Councils, and to play a greater role in the way forward.
The Open Day was well received, as many residents came out to give their support, and to access valuable information on the topic of Local Government Reform.
Organisations, such as the Jamaica Library Service (JLS), National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Jamaica Family Planning Board and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), participated in the event.
“It was really good being here at this forum. We learnt a lot, and I’m just so sorry that more persons were not in attendance to hear and learn of important issues concerning governance,” Damarli Palmer, of Bamboo District, told JIS News.
Curline Brown from Edge Hill, St. Ann’s Bay, also noted that she was well informed at the Open Day.
“This function has informed me a lot about Local Government, and I know now where to turn and who to turn to when I have matters to discuss in regard to the development of my community,” Miss Brown said.
She commended Mr. Montague for explaining the functions and responsibilities of the Parish Councils.