FALMOUTH, Trelawny — Concerned about recent data showing that a high number of residents do not know who their elected local representatives are, Local Government and Community Development Minister Desmond McKenzie says he will be leading the charge for the presence of councillors to be felt in their respective divisions.

“This conversation must begin in a sincere way. It makes no sense we pay lip service to what needs to be done. And I will champion the cause for councillors to become more accountable, for councillors to be transparent, for councillors to be seen, to be felt in their respective divisions,” McKenzie said.

He was addressing councillors elected to the Trelawny Municipal Corporation (TMC) in Falmouth during Thursday’s swearing -in ceremony and election of mayor and deputy mayor.

He used the People’s National Party’s (PNP) campaign slogan, Time come, to get his message across.

“After this ceremony is over the time has come… for the people to start to see what will happen. A number of polls were conducted which indicate that persons in every parish say they don’t know the mayor, they don’t know the councillor, and for me that don’t sound good,” McKenzie stressed.

The local government minister announced the impending launch of a project that will give councillors a better understanding of their role.

“There are going to be extensive sensitisation programmes with councillors which will happen in the next two weeks. The handbook for councillors will be ready shortly. We are revising the handbook,” McKenzie said.

This, he said, will be followed by a similar programme for those they serve.

“We are going to be putting out, in a couple months’ time, a guide for the public to know the work of local government. So we not only providing information to strengthen the councillors, but we are going to be providing information so that the country can know the role of local government,” he added.

On Thursday, Councillor C Junior Gager (Jamaica Labour Party, Warsop Division) was sworn in as chairman of the Trelawny Municipal Corporation and mayor of Falmouth. Councillor Jonathan Bartley (JLP, Wakefield Division) was elected as his deputy.

The Trelawny Municipal Corporation is made up of nine councillors: six elected on a JLP ticket and three are members of the PNP.

During his address, McKenzie urged Gager, who is now serving a third-consecutive stint as mayor, and his team to listen to public sentiments.

“I want to challenge Mayor Gager and the councillors to take note of what people have been saying. We have been listening as a government. We’re not afraid to say that we have heard the call of the people and that we are prepared to respond,” the minister said, referencing the results of the local government polls in which the PNP made significant gains.

“I promise you that will continue to be fair in how we manage the affairs of your communities,” McKenzie added.

Gager also used the opportunity to urge the councillors to serve with integrity and distinction.

“As we turn to the future, I am ready to lead our town and parish’s recovery and renewal. That means leading the way [in terms] of accountability, and pride in the execution of duties. Each councillor will be held accountable for his allocation. Remember, the residents are holding us to task. Whatever you do or say will affect the Trelawny Municipal Corporation. So be true to God and yourself, and remember that the reputation of the Trelawny Municipal Corporation is at stake,” he said.

“Take personal responsibility for your utterances and your action; a chain is as strong as its weakest link,” Gager added.