Robinson Meeting with Local Government Representatives

MONTEGO BAY — Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Local Government, Hon. Shahine Robinson, will be visiting parish councils across the island over the next two months.

The meetings are part of a continued process by the State Minister, to familiarise herself with the local government portfolio, for which she assumed responsibility in July. She met with mayors and secretary/managers of councils in August.

Addressing the first meeting held on Thursday (Sept. 29) at the St. Ann Parish Council in St. Ann's Bay, Mrs. Robinson said the sessions, which end on November 17, will see her spending a day in council with the local government representatives.

During the visits, she said, she will "underscore the need to strengthen focus on the real reform issues, and address the challenges through a bipartisan, consultative and results-based approach".

Mrs. Robinson informed she has been immersing herself in her portfolio responsibilities, including "improving my knowledge base and understanding of the critical success factors and challenges that will impact the continued progress of the Local Government reform programme."

She underscored the need for increased collaboration between her department and the parish councils in driving the reform process forward, noting that the changes were in their best interest. She noted that in time to come, the councils will be autonomous and fully in charge of their own affairs.

Mrs. Robinson is scheduled to visit the St. Catherine Council on October 3; Trelawny on October 5; Hanover on October 6; St. Thomas on October 10; St. Elizabeth on October 19; Westmoreland on October 20; Portmore on October 24; Kingston and

St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) on October 26; Portland on November 2; Clarendon on November 7; St. Mary on November 10; Manchester on November 14; and St. James on November 17.

By Bryan Miller, JIS Reporter