The Premier has asked new Cabinet Minister Walter Roban to lead negotiations with the corporations of Hamilton and St. George's, both of which are fighting the Government's plan to abolish them.

Cabinet Secretary Marc Telemaque confirmed yesterday that Mr. Roban has been given responsibility for the municipalities, days after the Government announced it planned on closing down the "impractical" and "unwieldily" institutions.

Mr. Roban was appointed Minister without Portfolio shortly after former Cabinet Minister Dale Butler's resignation, with the expectation that he would help out across a variety of departments where needed.

He has already been vocal on the need to repeal the Municipalities Act 1923 and transfer corporation operations to Government, calling the move "necessary" in the House of Assembly the week of the announcement.

According to Corporation of Hamilton chief operating officer Ed Benevides, the municipal bodies have no plans to meet with Mr. Roban to discuss the future of the corporations until after next week's City of Hamilton elections.

The elections will go on as normal, said Mr. Benevides, with three candidates having already announced plans to run for Mayor.

"We're waiting until after the elections on July 16, once we have a properly formed board," said Mr. Benevides. "Mr. Roban has already indicated an interest in meeting us after that to discuss plans going forward."

Mr. Benevides added that he remains optimistic that the Corporations will continue to exist in some form.

Both Corporations are currently seeking legal advice following a letter from Cabinet two weeks ago advising on plans to abolish both, instead delegating their responsibilities across Government departments.

The move has attracted criticism from the Opposition, who have accused Government of orchestrating a "land grab" on Hamilton and St. George's.

Hamilton Mayor Sutherland Madeiros wrote to Dr. Brown to oppose the plan, saying it "undermines the principle of local democracy."

Mr. Roban could not be reached for comment yesterday on the next steps for the Government in negotiating with the corporations.