In a significant address at Kent House in Maraval on November 28, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Khadijah Ameen issued clear directives to eleven newly appointed boundary committee members. Emphasizing the critical importance of preserving community integrity, Minister Ameen stressed that municipal boundaries must adhere to natural divisions rather than artificially splitting villages and communities.
The Minister highlighted substantial disparities in current electoral representation across different regions. Data reveals concerning imbalances where individual councillors represent populations ranging dramatically from 3,800 to over 15,700 citizens depending on their corporation. This variation, according to Ameen, creates fundamental inequities in governance and resource allocation that must be addressed through boundary reform.
Demographic distribution emerged as another crucial factor in the boundary determination process. Minister Ameen noted that while some municipal areas contain merely 2-4% of the national population, others such as Tunapuna/Piarco account for significantly higher percentages at 17% and 14% respectively. Geographic size variations further complicate the landscape, with municipalities spanning from compact 12 square kilometer areas to expansive 927 square kilometer regions like Sangre Grande.
The Minister articulated the direct connection between equitable boundary division and fair funding distribution, stating that proportional resource allocation remains impossible without geographic and demographic balance. While expressing confidence in the committee’s ability to fulfill its mandate, Ameen clarified the procedural framework: the committee’s recommendations will proceed to Cabinet, though ultimate authority rests with Parliament regarding municipal boundaries, while the Elections and Boundaries Commission maintains jurisdiction over electoral districts.
Ameen encouraged committee members to utilize available demographic data and community consultations to inform their decisions, particularly emphasizing the need to create sub-regions based on development priorities where necessary. This approach aligns with the Prime Minister’s longstanding concerns regarding funding disparities resulting from inequitable boundary divisions.