Guyana's Local Government System

Municipal Corporations

• 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

Regional Democratic Councils

• 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

Local Government Reform

• 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

Post-Independence Developments

• 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

Colony of British Guiana

• 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.

Municipal Corporations

• 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

Regional Democratic Councils

• 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

Local Government Reform

• 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

Post-Independence Developments

• 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

Colony of British Guiana

• 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

Budgeting

• 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

Public Expenditure

• 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

Fiscal Policy

• 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

Accounting Standards

• 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

Audit and Control

• 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