Residents of the Central Andros District attend a town meeting where Minister of State for Lands and Local Government the Hon Byran Woodside spoke. (Photo Courtesy of Lands and Local Government)

NASSAU, Bahamas - All District Councils and Town Committees are required by law to prepare budgets that express the needs of their communities, Minister of State for Lands and Local government the Hon. Byran Woodside said at a town meeting in Central Andros District on Friday, January 29.

Minister Woodside met in Central Andros with District Council and Town Committee members to discuss their submissions for the 2010-2011 budget.

“I can report to you that although they will not get all that they want, we will make sure that the needs of Central Andros are satisfied to the extent that our national economy and revenue intake will allow, he said.

“This means that the relationship between elected officials and communities must now, more than ever, be expanded to include a special partnership with Central Government revenue collection agencies,” he added.

Mr. Woodside said that funds to fix roads, clean parks, collect garbage and provide other services are realized from the collection of taxes in the communities.

“We know that a large percentage of our taxes that go uncollected,” he said.“Taxes such as boat registration, hotel guest taxes, motor vehicle licensing are only some of the revenue areas that greatly affect Local Government revenue,” he said.

He urged residents to assist the Central Government by paying their taxes and by advising their local officials and Administrator of any areas where they believe revenues are not being collected.

Minister of State for Lands and Local Government the Hon Byran Woodside address residents of the Central Andros District at a town meeting on January 29. (Photo Courtesy of Lands and Local Government)

Mr. Woodside said that since 1996, the Local Government Act has guided the manner in which public activities that have immediate affect on Family Island residents lives are administered.

“The Act mandates that citizens and Local Government practitioners must work in partnership for a harmonious relationship to exist between the community and locally elected officials,” he said.

“To ensure this harmony, the Act mandates that public meetings must be held where councils and town committees report to the people and the people may voice their concerns,” he added.

Mr. Woodside said this dialogue is the most dynamic and effective way to involve every citizen in the decision making process.

He added that the Family Islands are fortunate to have this opportunity because this right is not established in New Providence.

“As community members you have the opportunity to say to local officials that your community needs a boat ramp, a park, better garbage collection services or any other public service or facility that you feel will make life more comfortable for you.

“I must caution you, however, that the needs that require an infusion of money must be prioritized and will only become a reality when funds are available,” Mr. Woodside said.