MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie has reiterated his position that unsatisfactory service by elected representatives, which he claims has become the norm in many cases, will not continue going forward.

Jamaicans will vote in local government elections on November 28.

McKenzie, speaking at a media launch and expo in Mandeville last Wednesday for Local Government and Community Month, said it is too important an element of governance for business to continue as usual.

“Local government is going to experience significant changes that will improve its delivery to the people of this country. Accountability, transparency has to be the hallmark of local governance,” he said.

“Right across this country the work of a councillor, at times, is even greater than that of a member of parliament. All 228 municipal divisions across this country, regardless of the outcome of the next local government elections, business will not be the same in the new dispensation after the next local government Elections,” McKenzie said.

Parish councils (now Municipal Corporations) are responsible for duties including maintenance of drains and gullies, markets, community parks, building permits, and monitoring activities for entertainment.

“All the services that the local authorities have to offer, if you ask the majority of Jamaicans ‘Are you satisfied with the service that you are getting from your local elected representative’ they will say no,” said McKenzie.