MONTEGO BAY, St James — Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie is urging councillors to do what they can to change the negative perception that some individuals have of the local government machinery.

“The elections, a couple weeks ago, gave an indication of how many feel about local government,” he told the monthly council meeting of the St James Municipal Corporation on Thursday.

“Some of it is not real, some of the negatives are of our thinking, because some people just don’t believe in the existence of local government,” McKenzie continued.

The February 26 poll had a voter turnout of only 29.6 per cent, a 0.4 per cent decrease in the numbers for 2016.

On Thursday,, McKenzie stressed that Jamaica is one of a handful of countries in the region that have a system of government at the local level, something he sees as an accomplishment. He sought to highlight the importance of this approach to governance.

“I challenge anybody, living or dead, to show me one aspect of life in Jamaica that local government is not involved in. Our roads, our markets, buildings, our fire services, poor relief, I can go on and name the various areas of responsibility,” the minister argued.

He stressed the role that locally elected representatives must play in changing the minds of those who have a negative view of local government.

“The question must be asked of us as councillors…are we doing what we are supposed to do? These are questions we must ask ourselves,” he challenged members of the council.

“Therefore, we have to demonstrate a certain level of responsibility in executing our duties to the people, not just here in St James, but right across the country,” he added.

McKenzie also pointed to the need to let everyone know about the work being done by municipal corporations.

“It is important that we speak volumes about our achievements in local government, about the things that we have done, that we have been able to accomplish,” he said.

Some sections of the society have consistently maintained that the Andrew Holness-led Administration has not done enough to trumpet its accomplishments. It is an argument that has gained currency within the Jamaica Labour Party after its less than impressive performance in the local government election.

McKenzie conceded that there will be some sections of the society that will forever remain unconvinced of the importance of local government.

“There are those who will never accept when we do well, there are those who are critical of us,” he lamented.

“If you are confident that you are doing what you were elected to do, then you must walk and hold your head high and be proud of your achievements,” he urged councillors.