Canadian High Commissioner Denis Kingsley (left) prepares to sign a contribution agreement with the Jamaica Debates Commission (JDC) for a donation of Can$73,967 (J$4.7 million), from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), while Eleanor Henry, General Manager of the Media Association Jamaica Ltd., looks on during a signing ceremony at the RJR Communications Group's Lynd-hurst Road, Kingston offices Wednesday. Philmore Ogle (right), chairman of the JDC, also signed. CIDA's contribution will serve to facilitate the JDC's upcoming political debates. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

Denis Kingsley, Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, and Philmore Ogle, chairman of the Jamaica Debates Commission, on Wednesday signed a contribution agreement by which Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will provide the Jamaica Debates Commission with Can$73,967 (J$4.7 million) toassist with the staging of the national political debates ahead of the upcoming general election.

The high commissioner presented a cheque for Can$66,570 as the first tranche of the pledged sum.

In expressing appreciation, Mr. Ogle acknowledged that the assistance "bears eloquent testimony to the commitment of the Canadians to assist Jamaica in developing its democracy".

The signing and presentation were witnessed by the Head of Aid in the Canadian High Commission, Lorraine Belisle, and the CIDA coordinator, Deborah Duperly-Pinks, as well as the commissioners of the JDC - Gary Allen, Anthony Chang, Brian Schmidt and Lyndon Williams.