Villages prepare for council elections
General elections may not be held until 2003, but one hundred and ninety-two villages and communities are preparing to cast their ballots for council elections during the next few weeks. Rural communities make up a large portion of the voting population and Information Officer in the Ministry of Rural Development, Andy Palacio, says that the newly elected officers will operate under guidelines set out in the new Village Council Act.
Andy Palacio, Information Officer, Min. of Rural Development
“This weekend on Sunday eighteenth March, the Ministry of Rural Development of Culture will be conducting the first round of Village Council countrywide. There are other dates to follow, the second being March twenty-fifth, and the third on April first and the final date on April eight. ”
“For the first time villagers will be electing a chairperson, one person for the position of chairperson and six for the position of members of the Village Council. It hasn’t been done like that in previous years so it’s the first time’s it’s being conducted in this fashion.”
“Village Councils by virtue of the Village Council Act have been given a great deal of authority and responsibility. Village Councils at this point have been responsible for the administration of the village. They are the first point of contact for anybody wanting to conduct business with or in the community or village. They are in charge of the financial matters. They’re responsible for public property, for the maintenance of streets, roads and infrastructure. They just have a wide range of responsibility, which includes responsibility for land within the village and the surrounding village areas, so a lot of power is now the hand of Village Council.”
Village Councils serve for a three year term of office. The only village not having an election at this time is Hopkins. Due to a series of resignations, a new council was elected last year which will continue to serve.
