Economy of Scotts Head Village

lopment of demarcated areas. It comprises Local Authorities which serve as conduits through which central government policy outputs, programmes, projects and information impact on local communities. Simultaneously it also provides the means by which community inputs can be institutionally conveyed to Central Government. That process, once the feedback mechanism is operationally functional, helps in maintaining the stability and the development administration of the State. It is the most “grass-roots” arm of government within a democratic system.

Unlike other community based organizations, local government bodies are popularly elected bodies empowered by law to regulate and administer affairs in their respective areas. These bodies, based on their traditional mandate, are responsible for basic amenities within their jurisdiction and locale. They are usually required to attend the development and maintenance of roads and parks, sanitation and public facilities, provide social/economic assistance, undertake recreation and education programmes, as well as charitable ventures.

Sir Clarence Seignoret, then President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, in his 1991 Presidential Address at the House of Assembly, on 24th June 1991, listed the following as the functions of Local Authorities:

To provide opportunities for residents to contribute meaningfully to the decision making process at the local level;

To take social and economic services closer to the people who need them;

To create effective communication channels between Central Government and local communities;

To develop local institutions capable of managing the development of their areas;

To develop leadership potential at the community level.

These objectives are central