Former MP Ottiwell Simmons has been appointed as the Island's first Parish Councils Coordinator, a position intended to help Bermuda's nine parish councils play a constructive and valuable role in the community.

Making the announcement yesterday, Minister of Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler said Parish Councils have been under review for several years.

"With the appointment of Ottiwell Simmons, the Parish Councils will have an effective voice in Government and a very capable advocate," Mr. Butler said.

"Mr. Simmons is a strong community organiser and will be an asset to Parish Councils in achieving their aims and objectives.

"He will ensure that Parish Councils operate in accordance with the Parish Councils Act 1971 and any other applicable legislation. He will also advise them on any policies issued by the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation."

Mr. Butler also revealed that one of the key functions of the Parish Councils Coordinator is to ensure that Parish Councils submit their annual reports to the Minister on a timely basis.

Mr. Simmons will also work to ensure that proper accounts are kept by Parish Councils and that proper accounting procedures are employed to enable positive audit results.

"These activities will help to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of the nine Parish Councils," the Minister added.

"In cooperation with the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation, the Parish Councils Coordinator will make recommendations to the Minister regarding the most suitable chairpersons and members of each of the nine parish councils."

"The Coordinator will recommend a standard structure to guide the activities of all parish councils and will hold meetings with all Chairpersons every three months in order to provide administrative oversight and guidance for the activities of each Council."

Meanwhile Mr. Simmons revealed he had already met with some of the Parish Councils, adding that an effort will be made to better publicise their role.

He stated: "The Parish Councils are up to strength and they are quiet because they do not have public meetings as they really should be.

"The last I heard was that one of them had a public meeting about a year ago and not too many people showed up. But we're going to change that."

And, Mr. Butler highlighted while most Parish Councils operate quietly, he cited the Smith's and Paget Parish Councils as being very active in the community.

"Smith's parish has been by far one of the most active. The Paget parish has an annual scholarship and they do other activities too.

"Sandys parish has been quietly been getting on with their work, so while the Councils don't make the 'front page', they have been doing things in the community and we are grateful."