Ruddy Mathison, Gleaner Writer

FALMOUTH, Trelawny:

COUNCILLOR FOR the Martha Brae division of the Trelawny Parish Council Phillip Service last Thursday chided the council for not reactivating the local government reform council.

Speaking at the council's monthly meeting, Service, in response to a report that highlighted the absence of recent communication between the Ministry of Local Government and the council on the issue of local government reform, said the council has lost its focus. He called for more transparency and accountability in respect of local government reform.

The councillor said a consultation committee of various interest groups comprising non-governmental agencies and community groups is to meet on October 25 at the William Knibb High School auditorium to discuss elements of the reform process.

Secretary manager of the council Gerald Lee, in a report, said local government reform is driven on two fronts - the Ministry of Local Government and the parish council. He noted that while there has not being any correspondence from the ministry in a long time, the council has been taking steps to reform its revenue system at the local level. He said the Trelawny Parish Council has been actively working with local agencies to improve service delivery.

Meanwhile Falmouth's mayor Garth Wilkinson said he is committed to changing the image of the council. He said the parish council should be restructured to ensure that the council delivers the necessary services to the people it represents.

rural@gleanerjm.com