Talks Begin on Ladyville and Lord’s Bank Becoming a Town

On Wednesday afternoon, representatives from the Ladyville and Lord’s Bank village councils convened with government officials to discuss the potential transformation of their communities into a township. The preliminary consultation, facilitated by the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Local Government, and Community Development, marked the first step in exploring this significant development. Area Representative Dolores Balderamos-Garcia emphasized that the meeting was exploratory rather than agenda-driven, aiming to gather initial insights and guidance. She expressed satisfaction with the session, which saw approximately 30 participants. Balderamos-Garcia highlighted the rapid population growth in Ladyville, which now spans from Haulover Bridge to Mile 13, encompassing neighborhoods like Vista del Mar, Mitchell Estate, Marage Road, and Los Lagos. This expansion has heightened the need for discussions on governance, infrastructure, and revenue generation to support essential community services. Senior ministry officials Clifford King and Nacio Acosta outlined the potential advantages of township status, including the implementation of modest property taxes to fund local improvements such as street maintenance, drainage systems, parks, and community development projects. Balderamos-Garcia clarified that no decisions have been finalized and stressed the importance of broader community consultations moving forward. She affirmed the commitment to inclusive dialogue, ensuring residents have a voice in shaping the future of their communities.