Seaga writes PM on tainted money issue
published: Saturday | November 22, 2003

Patterson (left) and Seaga (right)

JAMAICA LABOUR Party Leader Edward Seaga has written to Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, president of the People's National Party (PNP) requesting a meeting to discuss the highly controversial issue surrounding the source of public funding for political campaigns. According to a release from the JLP yesterday, Mr. Seaga's invitation has come against the background of recent concerns raised about the source of public funding for political campaigns. "I am aware that the People's National Party (PNP) has historically raised the issue of campaign financing for political parties from public funds," Mr. Seaga said in his letter.

Mr. Seaga pointed out that the issue of campaign financing in-volves a broader issue, that of the conduct of candidates in both the way it is sourced and the way it is expended. He asserted that "this aspect must be of equal concern as it poses a great threat to our democratic electoral system and to the type of candidates who will be involved in representational politics."

Controversy erupted earlier this month over the said issue after questions were raised by Mr. Seaga about the legitimacy of funds secured by James Robertson to run a campaign for the election of deputy leader for the JLP's Area Council 2 on November 9.

Acting on a letter written to him by Daryl Vaz, head of Mr. Robertson's campaign finances, Police Commissioner Francis Forbes ordered an investigation into the allegations made by the party leader that "tainted money" was used to run Robertson's campaign. However, Mr. Seaga has since announced that he is satisfied that this was not the case. However, the police investigation is continuing.

The Opposition leader said the time is appropriate for both Mr. Patterson and himself to meet and discuss whether bilateral talks should commence between both parties to examine whether common ground exists for further action. Thereafter, he said a debate could be opened, possibly through the Electoral Advisory Committee (EAC), to the public in general and all relevant groups on the matter.