Jamaica, today, through the nomination of the Honourable Robert Montague, Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government, was re-elected to the Board of Directors and also copped a place on the newly-created Executive Committee of the prestigious Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) Board for two years.

Minister Montague, who is unavoidably absent from the Sixth-Biennial Commonwealth Local Government conference which came to an end today, was elected in a close run-off with African nation Ghana.

As a former Chair of the CLGF, Minister Montague, who found favour among his peers is known for his vibrant leadership and commitment to local democracy in the Commonwealth.

Jamaica which fielded a nine-member delegation to the conference also participated in the history-making initiatives – Young Professionals Forum represented by the KSAC’s Andrine McLaren and the Commonwealth Women’s Network which were introduced for the first time.

The conference which was held between March 15 and 18 ended with the adoption of the Cardiff Consensus which urged among other features, the need for national governments to empower local governments to play a lead role in the advancement of the local economic development process.

The conference was held under the theme: Energising local economies – partnership for prosperous communities.