Local issues are best dealt with by persons living in the area, who have a vested interest in the outcome of any action taken. This is the foundation of the local government system which gives residents the chance to make the decisions which will affect their community. Local government is an essential part of the government and is responsible for the administration of local affairs. Among its  responsibilities are minor water supplies, parks, beautification, cemeteries, fire service, markets,  abattoirs, animal pounds, parking facilities, parochial roads, local sustainable development planning, drains, gullies, street lights, collection of garbage, infirmaries and other welfare services. It is quite easy to see that the local government system has been a miserable failure in all of these areas right across the entire island. This failure has contributed in large part by the limited resources of the munipalities and its manipulation by central government to benefit the party in power. Some of the failures includes the  failure to properly enforce building code which has led to a free for all with persons building what they want, wherever they feel. This leads to conflicts, flooding and problems for our security forces and fire departments to patrol and respond to emergencies. Businesses are established in residential areas, garages are set up on sidewalks and trucks are parked overnight and for extended period on the street. Drains and gullies are over grown and not cleaned,  garbage are not collected and dumped in gullies. Our cemeteries are overgrown, street light are lacking, parks and markets are run down where they exist. Parochial roads are mostly in a state of disrepair etc.

The dismal performance of the local government has led to many persons calling for it to be dismantled and the functions handed over to the central government. This would be a big mistake as certain issues are local issues and needs to be addressed locally. In the mid 1980’s most of the functions of Local  Government were removed and handed over to Central Government.  It was a dismal failure and this created major problems for the local communities.  A strong local governance structure is of utmost importance. In cities across the world such as Toronto, Bristol and New York City, most of the functions carried out by our central government are the responsibility of the local authority. In some cases the city is quite large while in others the city is so small that there is  need of only one high school. The question is, do we need to have thirteen local government? As it is, many persons feel that it is just a case of jobs for the boys. A study would need to be done so as to determine the best division of the local government and its number. JAP will pursue major local government reform and to have Local Government entrenched in the constitution so that its function is not change at will by the sitting government. Greater autonomy and source of funding will be given to the parish councils for them to carry out their duties. With these reforms it will be expected that more highly qualified and experienced persons  will vie to become representatives and carry out the duties of the council.
A municipal police force will be established in all councils to enforce municipal laws and regulations, maintaining public order, supporting revenue generating efforts, and assisting in disaster management activities among other, leaving the regular police force to focus on other issues.