In a major initiative aimed at strengthening local governance and supporting community leadership, the government has announced substantial increases in the monthly stipends for Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and regional officials across Guyana.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, confirmed that these adjustments will benefit approximately 70 chairpersons and vice-chairpersons, alongside over 1,000 councillors. The revised monthly payments are as follows:
NDC Chairpersons: Increased from $10,000 to $50,000.
NDC Vice-Chairpersons: Increased from $5,000 to $40,000.
NDC Councillors: Increased from $3,000 (or $4,000 as noted in the Minister’s statement) to $30,000.
Regional Councillors: Increased from $30,000 to $50,000.
Minister Manickchand emphasized that these increases are designed to empower local officials to carry out their community responsibilities more effectively. “With more, our councillors, chairpersons and vice-chairpersons will have more to give to you. When much is given, more is expected,” she noted, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving the functionality of local democratic bodies.
This policy adjustment complements recent increases in annual subventions for local government organs, reflecting a broader strategy to decentralize and enhance public service delivery. Under the new financial framework:
Municipalities now receive $50 million annually, up from approximately $18 million.
Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) now receive $30 million each, a significant jump from the previous allocation of approximately $5 million.
The Ministry maintains that these investments are vital to ensuring that local leaders have the resources necessary to better serve citizens and respond to the specific needs of their respective communities.
