Clinton Collymore M.P
Minister within the Ministry of Local Government.
The Ministry of Local Government has made a substantial contribution
towards paying the wages and salaries of the Linden municipal
workers for May 2003. This was made necessary due to the inability
of the Linden Town Council to meet the entire bill. The contribution
of the Ministry amounted to $2,764,603 out of the total bill
of $3,964,603.
On June 4, 2003. His Excellency the President Mr Bharrat Jagdeo
visited the Linden Township and met with a wide cross section
of the community, including Regional officials, Community
Development Councils, workers and farmers. The workers appealed
to Mr Jagdeo for his assistance in getting their wages and
salaries paid, since the Town Council is facing serious financial
difficulties.
His Excellency gave instructions for the
money to be paid out of sums already earmarked by the Ministry
of Local Government for the Linden municipality for the year
2003. Earlier by letter dated May 30, 2003, Town Clerk Mr
Floyd Patterson. had written to the Minister seeking financial
help to pay the May 2003 emoluments. He also indicated that
help wou1d be needed from central government for the period
June-December, 2003.
Mr Patterson sought $3,934,603 for May 2003
and 8 further $29,512,786 for June to December 2003. The Town
Council is in difficulties due to revenues averaging 32% for
receivables. In his meeting with the staff; President Jagdeo
urged that efforts be made to boost the revenue percentage
so that all emoluments could be paid in full by Council on
a sustainable basis.
The Minister is due to meet with the Mayor shortly to deal
with matters, including revenues, valuation, vacancies, meetings,
capital works, the Wismar market, benchmarks of the Urban
Development Programme and emoluments.
Clinton Collymore M.P
Minister within the Ministry of
Local Government.
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