Identify and Explain the Functions of Govern

What are the functions of Central and Local

Government in Trinidad and Tobago?

Introduction: In this note you are going to learn about the functions of
both the Central (National) and Local Government structures

Explanation:
 
Trinidad and Tobago has two (2) levels of government:
central (national) and local.

FUNCTIONS OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT:

1. Maintain law and order
Ensure that the population’s rights are protected.
Pass laws to ensure justice and peace are preserved.
Administer justice by ensuring an unbiased and independent judiciary.
Ensure that there is a functional police force.

2. Provide national defense

Ensure that there is a functional regiment and coast guard.
Ensure the security of national boundaries.
Protect human rights
Ensure that the rights clearly stated in the constitution are granted to all people by laws and policies.

3. Maintain international relations

Deal with governments of other countries (foreign affairs)
Raise revenue
Ensure that the country can generate money (income) from taxes, duties and other sources.

4. Manage country’s finances

Create budgets and ensure that there is a balance between income generation and spending.
Ensure that money is given (allotted) to projects that would encourage economic development and
improve the quality of life of the population.

5. Provide social services

Ensure the provision of essential social services including education and healthcare.

6. Provide infrastructure
Develop and maintain the country’s infrastructure including roads, air- and sea-ports, electricity and
water supplies.

7. Ensure free and fair elections

Create systems necessary to ensure that both local and national elections are free and fair.
Support local government
Provide funds to help support local government systems to function.
Pass legislation that help and support local government bodies to better serve the needs of their
communities.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT:
The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government oversees
local authorities on Trinidad whilst the Tobago House of Assembly reports
directly to the Office of the Prime Minister.
The structure of local government comprises a single authority in Tobago
and fourteen (14) municipal corporations in Trinidad, comprising two
(2) city corporations, three (3) borough corporations and nine (9) regional
corporations.
The fourteen (14) municipal corporations all have the same powers and
responsibilities and are authorised to make policies and by-laws in relation
to their functions for the local area. The council is headed by a Mayor in a
city or borough, and a Chairperson in the regional corporations.
Each council also has a deputy mayor/vice-chairperson.
Municipalities must set up committees for finance, personnel, public health
and infrastructure.

Local elections are held every three years in Trinidad and every four years in
Tobago.
The five (5) settlements with municipality-status are:
- The Boroughs of Arima, Chaguanas and Point Fortin
- The Cities of Port-of-Spain and San Fernando
The eight (8) Regional Corporations are: Couva-Tabaquite-Talparo ; Diego Martin; Princes Town; Rio
Claro-Mayaro; San Juan-Laventille; Sangre Grande; Siparia; Tunapuna-Piarco.