Dear Editor,
If the People’s National Party’s (PNP) treasurer’s report is correct, it is indeed a big shame and scandal for the reported five senior PNP officials to keep, for themselves, millions of dollars in campaign funds collected on behalf of the party as it reveals a lack of accountability, poor governance and corruption.
It is not just an internal party matter, as Dr Peter Phillips or Portia Simpson Miller seems to believe — or would want us the public to think — as this party (the PNP) has governed Jamaica for most of our years since political independence — a country poorly managed and almost run into the ground by incompetent and somewhat corrupt politicians.
However, the bigger shame and scandal and seriously questionable issues which should be of even greater concern to Jamaicans, as it threatens our democracy and well-being as a nation, are:
1. Was it a foreign entity which donated US$20 million (over $2.5 billion), or part thereof, to the PNP’s campaign, and why?
2. What is the pound of flesh which was paid in exchange for such a large sum?
3. Is it legal for foreigners or foreign entities to contribute to local political campaigns (thereby buying our elections)? It is illegal in most civilised countries, so it would be good to hear from the Electoral Commission of Jamaica on this one.
Additionally, the governing Jamaica Labour Party’s silence is deafening.
This matter needs a thorough investigation and a full report to Parliament and the country at large.
Peter Townsend
President
National Democratic Movement
ndmjamaica@yahoo.com
If the People’s National Party’s (PNP) treasurer’s report is correct, it is indeed a big shame and scandal for the reported five senior PNP officials to keep, for themselves, millions of dollars in campaign funds collected on behalf of the party as it reveals a lack of accountability, poor governance and corruption.
It is not just an internal party matter, as Dr Peter Phillips or Portia Simpson Miller seems to believe — or would want us the public to think — as this party (the PNP) has governed Jamaica for most of our years since political independence — a country poorly managed and almost run into the ground by incompetent and somewhat corrupt politicians.
However, the bigger shame and scandal and seriously questionable issues which should be of even greater concern to Jamaicans, as it threatens our democracy and well-being as a nation, are:
1. Was it a foreign entity which donated US$20 million (over $2.5 billion), or part thereof, to the PNP’s campaign, and why?
2. What is the pound of flesh which was paid in exchange for such a large sum?
3. Is it legal for foreigners or foreign entities to contribute to local political campaigns (thereby buying our elections)? It is illegal in most civilised countries, so it would be good to hear from the Electoral Commission of Jamaica on this one.
Additionally, the governing Jamaica Labour Party’s silence is deafening.
This matter needs a thorough investigation and a full report to Parliament and the country at large.
Peter Townsend
President
National Democratic Movement
ndmjamaica@yahoo.com