MP Alvick Maharaj Questions Minister Over Rushed and Opaque District Advisory Councillor EOI Process

Opposition Member of Parliament Alvick Maharaj has strongly criticized the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development over what he describes as a sudden and limited call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the position of District Advisory Councillor—a role that serves as a vital link between local communities and the government.

According to Maharaj, the EOI, which reportedly closes at 10:00 AM on Friday, 20th June, was not made public and was only conveyed to existing District Advisory Councillors.

He claims that the call for applications was not widely advertised, raising serious questions about transparency, inclusivity, and fairness in the selection process.

“This appears to be a deliberate attempt to restrict participation and silence the voice of those who do not support the current government,” said Maharaj. “How can people be expected to apply when they don’t even know the opportunity exists? Everyone knows how the councillors were elected last time, and there was no transparency. I would also like to ask the government—where is the election for the advisory council that was promised?”

The Opposition MP is demanding answers from the Minister, specifically:

1.Why is the public only given a few days to submit their interest?

2.Where exactly was the EOI advertised, and when?

3.Why was the EOI not published in national newspapers, community radio stations, or widely shared on government and ministry social media pages?

4.Why wasn’t a minimum one-month period provided to lodge an application, as is standard in any democratic and transparent process?

Maharaj says the rushed and under-the-radar approach casts doubt on the sincerity of the government’s intentions.

“A process that should be open, inclusive, and accessible now looks exclusive and controlled,” he said.