Guyana's Local Government System

Study Notes

Guyana has three municipal corporations: Georgetown, New Amsterdam, and Linden
These corporations are responsible for providing services such as garbage collection, street lighting, and maintenance of infrastructure
They are also responsible for generating revenue through property taxes and other fees

Guyana is divided into 10 regions, each with its own Regional Democratic Council (RDC)
RDCs are responsible for providing services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development at the regional level
They are also responsible for implementing regional development plans and managing regional budgets

The Local Government Reform process began in the 1990s with the aim of decentralizing power and increasing citizen participation in governance
The reform process led to the establishment of the Regional Democratic Councils and the strengthening of municipal corporations
The reform also aimed to increase transparency and accountability in local government

After gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1966, Guyana's local government system underwent significant changes
The government introduced a new system of local government, which aimed to promote national unity and development
The new system established the Regional Democratic Councils and strengthened the role of municipal corporations

British Guiana was a British colony from 1814 to 1966
During this period, the local government system was characterized by a centralized system of administration, with limited participation from local citizens
The colonial government was responsible for providing services and making decisions on behalf of the local population
The colonial legacy has had a lasting impact on Guyana's local government system, with many of the current structures and institutions still bearing the hallmarks of colonial rule.

Three municipal corporations in Guyana: Georgetown, New Amsterdam, and Linden
Responsible for providing services: garbage collection, street lighting, infrastructure maintenance
Generate revenue through property taxes and fees

Guyana divided into 10 regions, each with a Regional Democratic Council (RDC)
RDCs provide services: healthcare, education, infrastructure development at the regional level
Implement regional development plans and manage regional budgets

Began in the 1990s to decentralize power and increase citizen participation in governance
Led to the establishment of Regional Democratic Councils and strengthening of municipal corporations
Aimed to increase transparency and accountability in local government

After gaining independence in 1966, Guyana's local government system underwent significant changes
New system aimed to promote national unity and development
Established Regional Democratic Councils and strengthened role of municipal corporations

British Guiana was a British colony from 1814 to 1966
Colonial government responsible for providing services and making decisions on behalf of the local population
Limited participation from local citizens in the centralized system of administration
Colonial legacy still influences Guyana's local government system

Allocates financial resources to achieve government objectives
Involves preparation of budget estimates, budget approval, and budget execution and monitoring
Types of budgets include line-item, performance-based, zero-based, and program-based budgeting
Ensures effective allocation of resources, promotes transparency and accountability, and facilitates financial planning and management

Involves allocating and managing public funds to achieve government objectives
Classification of expenditures includes capital expenditures (e.g., infrastructure) and recurrent expenditures (e.g., salaries, operations)
Expenditure management includes budget execution and control, procurement and contract management, and cash management
Ensures effective use of public funds, promotes transparency and accountability, and supports economic development and social welfare

Uses government spending and taxation to influence economic activity
Fiscal policy instruments include government expenditures and taxation (direct and indirect)
Fiscal policy objectives include economic growth and stability, price stability, and full employment
Influences economic activity and growth, supports economic stability and development, and helps achieve social and economic objectives

Rules and guidelines for preparing and presenting financial statements
International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards are used
Financial Reporting Framework for Governments provides a framework for financial reporting
Ensures consistency and comparability of financial reports, promotes transparency and accountability, and supports informed decision-making by stakeholders

Evaluates and ensures the effectiveness of financial management systems
Internal control involves risk management, control environment, and control procedures
Audit types include financial audit, compliance audit, and performance audit
Ensures reliability and accuracy of financial information, promotes transparency and accountability, and supports effective financial management and decision-making