The Town of Amherst is set to undergo a significant governance review with the appointment of a Charter Review Committee beginning next year. This initiative, mandated by the town charter, will occur every ten years, allowing for systematic evaluation of the town's governance practices.
According to the Town of Amherst, the Town Council will appoint the committee, which aims to gather insights and suggestions from various community members, including town employees, elected officials, and residents. This proactive approach is driven by the desire to improve how the town is governed and to hear diverse voices within the community.
"The committee is very eager to hear from as many people as possible, both about their ideas and about how we can best reach out to our very diverse public," stated representatives from the Town of Amherst.
The review process will not only focus on what can be changed through simple council votes but also the possibility of broader reforms requiring town-wide votes or even the establishment of new elected charter commissions, especially for issues such as council size and election processes.
Public meetings will be held throughout Amherst, allowing residents to express their views and provide valuable feedback. The committee is particularly mindful of reaching out to those whose voices might not typically be heard, including non-native English speakers and underrepresented communities.
Meanwhile, on the corporate side, telecommunications company Ooredoo recently announced the issuance of two new resolutions aimed at updating its governance framework and enhancing its Board Charter. This push reflects their commitment to align with global best practices and adhere to the directives set by the Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA).
Ooredoo's Group CEO Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo remarked on the company's dedication to adopting higher standards of transparency and governance practices. He highlighted the importance of upholding shareholder rights and accountability as part of their governance objectives.
Hilal bin Mohammed al-Khulaifi, Ooredoo's Group Chief Legal, Regulatory, and Corporate Governance Officer, stated, "This updated governance framework is aligned with Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) directives and local and international regulations. Our commitment to sound governance and sustainable practices ensures we remain competitive and well-positioned for future growth."
The new framework introduces Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) components, which is viewed as pivotal for increasing transparency and responsibility within Ooredoo's operations. This reflects the company’s intent to fortify its governance structure significantly.
According to Ooredoo, this governance evolution includes clear, transparent procedures for delegations of authority and responsibilities, enhancing oversight and accountability across the organization.
This dual focus—one on local community engagement through charter review and the other on corporate governance evolution at Ooredoo—underscores the significance of transparency and stakeholder interaction as both entities move forward. Residents of Amherst and Ooredoo stakeholders can look forward to being part of substantial changes aimed at fostering more inclusive and accountable governance systems.
