The present local governance structure is comprised of administrative units of central government managed by the Local Government Division in the form of sixteen (16) local authorities. Local authorities have responsibility for the delivery of various services which are highlighted below. At the district level, local authorities are administered by clerks appointed by government. Twelve (12) of the sixteen (16) local authorities are in the form of Town Boards, District Councils and Village Councils. The other four (4) local Authorities are categorized as Special Service Areas.
Local Government may be considered the domain of government closest to the people with regards to the provision of basic services and community micro-infrastructure aimed at improving the quality of life of residents, particularly the poor. Therefore, the programmes of the Local Government Division deliver many critical basic services to its target districts, such as, the construction and maintenance of community infrastructure (village roads, footpaths, foot bridges, drains walls, etc.), management of public cemeteries, upkeep and sanitation services (cleaning of public areas and disposal of garbage and cuttings), management of local facilities, such as, community markets, public bath, toilets and washing facilities
Our Vision, Mission and Strategic Direction
Vision: A model of local governance that promotes collaboration among local actors in an effective, participative and transparent manner in the quest for sustainable participatory local development
Mission: To promote local development through the delivery of basic services that are responsive to the needs and priorities of communities
Strategic Direction: To work with other local actors to promote the ideals of good governance and deliver basic services in the interest of citizens in specified locations
Our Services
Maintenance of Community Infrastructure
This involves the continued enhancement of village roads, footpaths, foot bridges, drains, walls, etc. within the various Local Government programming areas.
Management of Public Cemeteries
This involves the management of all active and closed government-owned public cemeteries across St. Vincent and the Grenadines, except the Kingstown Cemetery. Activities undertaken under this programme include the regular cutting of grass, the processing of applications for burial and for the erection of headstones. At present, the division manages forty-five (45) active public cemeteries and three (3) closed ones.
In going forward, efforts will be concentrated on exploring, developing and implementing sustainable solutions geared towards modernizing the management of government-owned public cemeteries across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These initiatives will address the management of cemetery land, exploring and implementing sustainable burial methods and reviewing the current cemetery fees structure.
Upkeep and Sanitation Services
Approximately 82% of the workforce across local authorities comprise of workers providing sanitation services, that is, with the cleaning of drains, kerbs and verges an average of three (3) days per week.
Management of Local Facilities
Under this programme, public baths and washing facilities, recreational sites, and community markets are managed by the various local authorities. These include public toilets in Union Island and Bequia, and a public toilet, bath and laundry facility at Barrouallie. Additionally, community markets at North Union, Bequia, Canouan and Union Island are also under the jurisdiction of the local authorities.