Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) across the East Bank of Demerara have been urged to work collaboratively and deliver real, people-centred results, as Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, reminded councillors that they were elected because residents trust them to bring relief, service, and joy to their communities.
The call came on Wednesday during a landmark engagement with East Bank NDCs — the first of its kind in the Ministry’s history — as part of Minister Manickchand’s new national outreach initiative aimed at meeting directly with all 70 NDCs across Guyana.
Addressing councillors, Manickchand said NDCs are the closest arm of government to the people and therefore must function as the “first responders” in both moments of celebration and tragedy within their communities.
“The NDC must be the first responder when someone in your community dies or when a baby is born,” the Minister told the gathering, stressing that service to the people must transcend political lines and personal interests.
She reminded the councillors that just like ministers of government, they are elected to serve all citizens, regardless of political persuasion or affiliation. “The people put you there because they trust you,” Manickchand said, urging them to set aside divisions and focus on unity and results.
The engagement also focused on strengthening the councils’ administrative and operational capacity. Manickchand emphasised the need for better waste management, improved accountability, and more responsive local services, noting that residents must feel the positive impact of their local leaders’ work.
“Let us proactively tell everyone… that between this day and this day, your tractor will pass everybody and pick up their bulky waste. So that the whole East Bank then will be cleaned up,” she said, encouraging NDCs to coordinate clean-up campaigns and schedule community service initiatives.
The meeting forms part of the Ministry’s broader push to modernise local governance, improve communication between central and local authorities, and foster greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability at the community level.
Officials said these engagements will continue across the country in the coming weeks, as Minister Manickchand moves to reinforce the critical role of local councils in shaping the quality of life for citizens in every region.
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