Economy of Scotts Head Village

"MsoNormal">This dependence on Central Government for resources has implications for the ability of the Councils to be truly autonomous. However, the matter of autonomy relates also to the system of devolution of powers. As indicated earlier, over the years Local Authorities have experienced a reduction in responsibilities as more and more services have been centralized. This reduces the role of these bodies to rudimentary activities and as conduits of Central Government for the servicing of local communities. In such a context the dependence of Local Authorities on Central Government is symptomatic to the nature of the power relationship between the two bodies.

The system of Local Government in Dominica has a fairly long history and a noble tradition. Beginning as a Board in the capital in the late 19th Century, it now covers the urban areas and all the major rural communities. It has survived several domestic political changes, as well as social and economic transformations at home and abroad.

It can also be said, that Local Government development in Dominica corresponds fairly well to the very nature of island political development from colonial to post-colonial independence. Their growth, structures and roles have changed accordingly as Government travelled the developmental route to its present independent status. Thus as Government moved from traditional functions under colonial administration to its present status, accommodating expanded responsibilities that independence involves, Local Government, must follow a similar path in order for it to completely address the new demands that current development changes bring.

Local Government is a system geared to empower people, hence it is rooted in the doctrine of promoting active participation of the citizens in the development of the country. In this regard many of the social and economic improvements that