Sonia Parag ready to bring ‘fresh energy’ to communities as new local gov’t minister

Sonia Parag was named by President Dr. Irfaan Ali as the new Minister of Local Government and Regional Development on Tuesday night and she says she is ready to bring fresh energy in her new role.

Parag, during an interview with the News Room on Wednesday, explained that many of the programmes and plans of the Local Government Ministry were rolled out immediately once the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government took office in 2020.

So for her, a huge undertaking is to guarantee that those plans and programmes continue to be implemented so that communities all across the country can benefit.

“So it’s a continuation but maybe with a bit more energy, maybe with a bit more vibrancy.

“… Look, we are dealing with communities. They want to be able to have good roads, they want to be able to have electricity, they want to be able to have water, they want to be able to have good schools. Health centres and a good quality of life.

“So the programmes that are continuing as well as the new ones coming on board, we will be pushing in these communities to better the quality of life for all Guyanese,” she explained.

The Local Government and Regional Development Ministry is responsible for guiding development in communities, promoting participation among local government bodies and generally, all matters relating to community development.

Minister Parag said the Local Government Ministry may also focus on new infrastructure projects meant to help residents.

Parag joins Anand Persaud at the Ministry. Persaud served as the Minister of Local Government since June 2023 following the resignation of Nigel Dharamlall.