THE EDITOR, Madam:
THE GLEANER recently quoted answers to Parliamentary questions from Mr. Audley Shaw by Hon. Karl Blythe indicating that Daly Thwaites & Company is carrying out legal work for Operation Pride- sponsored Provident Societies to the value of some $24 million.
The impression might be taken from the report that this work was given to our firm by the Ministry of Government and might involve some favouritism toward us. This is untrue.
From 1994 and 1995 (two or three years before I joined the PNP and was elected to Parliament) our firm had been approached by settlers on numerous schemes to represent them to negotiate the purchase of plots of land, the preparation of Agreements for Sale, the achievement of subdivision approvals and issuance of titles. This also required a large input for community organisation towards regularisation of tenure and corporate representation.
Up to now, the task has involved more than five years of work. The task continues. The Provident Societies pay over fees directly or specifically authorise their advance by the National Housing Development Corporation which is recovered by NHDC. A fixed fee for each beneficiary has been agreed with each Provident Society.
Since election to Parliament, I sought and received exemption for carrying out legal work for State Agencies. But this has nothing to do with the present case. Here our clients are the Provident Societies, not the National Housing Development Corporation or the Ministry.
Several other attorneys-at-law are, we believe, engaged in similar arrangements. In each case the people of the Provident Society are at liberty to determine who they think will provide them with effective representation.
We are privileged to be part of a unique and successful venture to assist many ordinary Jamaicans to own their homes.
I am, etc.,
RONALD G. THWAITES
62 Duke Street
Kingston
