Resolutions and Recommendations Arising from NAVCO’s 6th AGM The Issues of Lack of Respect Produced: APPROVED - NAVCO sign a memorandum of understanding between the major political parties to avoid introducing partisan politics into Village Council elections. APPROVED - Elected representatives, political leaders, NGO’s, standard bearers, government agencies (Ministry and Government Depts.) and any other development institutions abide by section 49 (1, 2, 3) of the Village Councils Act Revised Edition 2003. APPROVED - NAVCO undertakes a capacity building program that will encompass topics such as organizational strengthening, respect, working together and decision-making with all DAVCO’s to create a conducive working environment. APPROVED - NAVCO undertakes an awareness campaign to educate the public in the role of DAVCO and NAVCO.
The Issue of Water Board Formation / Appointment APPROVED - We hereby recommend that NAVCO approach the National Water Board Association to arrange a meeting to discuss their recommendations and have them take our recommendations into consideration concerning the National Water Board issue.
The Issue of Roles and Responsibilities of Village Councils APPROVED - The Village Councils’ roles and responsibilities for Community Development Services (i.e. education, youth programs, community infrastructure, etc.) should be based on the principle that the cost of these services are covered by national taxes. APPROVED - Village Councils’ roles and responsibilities in view of the process of distributing resources for community development should be based on the principle that Village Councils are the local authority for identifying needs and required responses to those needs. APPROVED - Village Councils’ roles and responsibilities in view of Community Development Services should be based on the principle that – for the foreseeable future – Village Councils can only be responsible for provisional delivery of services that are “decentralizeable” (i.e. garbage, youth programs, security, neighborhood watch, community centers, etc.)
The Issue of Sustainability of Villages APPROVED - Be it resolved that the DAVCO regulations be amended as follows: that if the Village Councils comply with the accountability criteria outlined by the Ministry to collect Liquor License fees, and the respective DAVCO fails to release the Liquor License funds to the village or fails to present a financial report, then the president and/or the treasurer of the said DAVCO shall be removed from his or her post and the funds be paid to the Village Councils.
APPROVED - In order to make DAVCO’s accountable and transparent, be it resolved that DAVCO’s treasurer shall give a monthly report to every Village Council in the district. APPROVED - In order to become more financially sustainable; Village Councils are identifying new revenue sources to fund their operations. One such revenue source that has not yet been exploited by Village Council is Trade licensing. Therefore be it resolved that legislation be made to allow Village Councils to charge and collect Trade licensing fees from business within their boundaries. APPROVED - That Part VIII section 45 of Village Councils Act also be part of the NAVCO and DAVCO regulations to read as follows: - Whenever a newly elected DAVCO and NAVCO takes office, there shall be an official handing over of all association properties by the outgoing officers of the former association to the officer of the incoming association. Such handing over shall take place within two weeks of the expiry of the term of the outgoing association and shall be duly witnessed by officers of the ministry and the managing director.
The Issue of Land APPROVED - Whereas the VCA Part II section (3) (b) calls for the Ministry responsible for land to appoint an independent commission to mediate in village boundary disputes. And whereas, there are a number of villages presently having boundary disputes. Now therefore, be it resolved that a representative of NAVCO, selected by the board, shall be appointed to the said independent commission and NAVCO be consulted on any terms of reference for the appointment of an independent commission. And further, be it resolved that NAVCO calls on the ministry to appoint the said independent commission whenever boundary disputes arise. APPROVED - We move that a member of NAVCO be appointed in full standing to the National Lands Advisory Committee. APPROVED - Furthermore, we move that section 47 (1) (c) of the Village Council Act be honoured with respect to consultation regarding land issues in the villages.
The Issue of NAVCO / DAVCO Regulations and Other Issues APPROVED - Define more clearly the roles and relationship between NAVCO, DAVCO, and RCDO’s. APPROVED - We move that Village Councils make use of Section 23 and 24 of the VCA in making and enforcing by-laws for their individual villages. APPROVED - We move that each DAVCO President shall be a full standing councilor of NAVCO, but the DAVCO President shall not be an officer of NAVCO. APPROVED - That the Social Security Board refrain from demanding Social Security contributions from the allowances paid to village council and water board members / employees when the allowances are $200 or less per month.