Local Government Minister Chandresh Sharma warned newly-elected councillors to resist any temptation to become corrupt. He met with 131 of the 134 elected members at the San Fernando City Corporation for a briefing on their responsibilities and obligations.In an address to the people who will guide local government, Sharma implored them to make sure that their activities are above board at all times.
“Make sure the money that comes in your pocket and stays in your pocket is money that you have earned...Don’t let it come from anywhere else,” Sharma said.
“People voted for you because they want a new way of doing things...They want a right way. Whenever we waste money though corruption, you deny somebody. You deny a spray for dengue fever, you deny a bed at the hospital, you deny additional play parks for our kids to go,” he said.
He reminded the new councillors that they are the representatives of the people and that means that they must now cast aside party symbols and serve everyone, not just their friends and relatives and those who supported them in the election campaign.
The new local government representatives got advice from other cabinet ministers as well.
Minister of Legal Affairs Prakash Ramadhar told them their is a sacred duty and they would find joy from helping people. Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Suruj Rambachan, a former mayor of Chaguanas, advised them to read the Municipal Corporations Act and use it "like your Bible".
Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Winston "Gypsy" Peters noted that there is nothing glamorous about the business of serving the people and urged each one to serve selflessly.
And Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal said people are depending on councillors to meet their needs. He reminded them that "it is a noble endeavour which you have embarked upon".
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