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Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment Christopher Sinckler????
Government’s Constituency Councils have now secured several new pieces of office equipment thanks to the Government of the People’s Republic of China.
During a brief handing-over ceremony today, in the Ministry of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment, Urban and Rural Development’s conference room, the Chinese Ambassador, Wei Qiang presented Minister Christopher Sinckler with nearly BDS $300,000.00 worth of equipment.
Lauding the gesture as a "continuation of the very strong relationship that Barbados has had with China since the 1970s until now," the Minister of Social Care praised the Government of China for their level of enthusiasm and excitement about the initiative that Government is seeking to launch.
"The Government of China stood ready to assist us in any way they could in order to ensure that this new programme becomes a success in Barbados, and not only does it strengthen the process of governance, democratic reform and expansion in the country, particularly at the participatory level, but it has been a huge welcome to us," he pointed out.
Noting that Barbados has ample evidence of China’s strong commitment to this country’s development, Mr. Sinckler indicated that it was seen through the continued partnership between the two countries, as they work closely on the refurbishment and restoration of the Empire Cinema, as well as a number of other projects.
In addition, the Social Care Minister indicated that government would soon confirm the names for the next 12 councils which will be made public shortly after Cabinet gives its assent to the recommendations.
He outlined that "very shortly after this process they will begin to launch those Councils.
"The process in establishing Councils has taken sometime but it was not happenstance, it was deliberate.?? When undertaking a programme of this nature that is relatively new and innovative but also involves an entirely new spectrum of governance, it was important that we took time understanding the legal ramifications, the administrative requirements and challenges and most importantly what the public required in relation to establishing those Councils," Mr. Sinckler emphasised.
Each Council will receive a lap top computer, fax machine, shredder, laminator, cell phones, desktop and printer. ??tblackman@barbados.gov.bb