By Garwin Davis, Assistant News EditorFOLLOWING A tumultuous week of internal squabbling among party officials initiated by Opposition Leader Edward Seaga alleging that 'tainted money' was used in the race for deputy leaders the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has appointed a committee to examine campaign financing.
The members of the committee are: Party treasurer Christopher Bovell, deputy treasurer Shirley Williams, Senator Dr. David Panton and Andrew Holness, M.P. It was not immediately clear as to the scope of the examination or what time-frame the committee had at its disposal, but sources say the recommendations would likely resemble the campaign financing laws that exist in the United States.
The aim, outgoing party chairman Ryan Peralto said yesterday, was for meaningful recommendations to be made to "improve campaign financing proceedings for internal as well as national elections to ensure full transparency and accountability by candidates."
The move comes following Seaga's bombshell allegation on public radio that "tainted money" was used by the James Robertson campaign team in the race for deputy leader. Although he would later retract the statement, the police are pressing ahead with their investigation into the matter.
In the meantime, the JLP will next Sunday be electing a new General Secretary to replace Dr. Ken Baugh who has resigned.
And while the party would be hard pressed to duplicate the fireworks that followed the recent election of its two deputy leaders, early indications are that this weekend could also have its fair share of drama.
BARLETT JOINS RACE
Following nominations, which closed yesterday, four have declared their candidacy for the post. The four are: deputy general secretary Arthur Williams, former general secretary and Member of Parliament for Central St. James Ed Bartlett, former deputy general secretary Prudence Kidd-Deans and Member of Parliament for North Central St. Andrew Karl Samuda. The race is also being viewed as another battle between the reformist wing of the party and the pro-Seaga faction. The reformers or the so-called "new thrust", in light of securing two critical deputy leader positions and with Bruce Golding virtually a shoo-in next Sunday for the position of chairman, are said to have the upperhand. Kidd-Deans and Bartlett are viewed as the Seaga loyalists while Williams and to a lesser extent, Samuda, are linked among the reformers.
Contacted last night, Kidd-Deans said she was asking the delegates to make a thorough and conscious assessment of all four contenders over the past several years, saying she is confident of victory if that were to be done.
"I know I can make a difference," she said. "The Labour Party ought not to be in Opposition but today should be running the affairs of the country. Not only do we have to capture the hearts and minds of all Labourites, but we have to inspire the half million uncommitted voters to our cause. We have to re-dedicate ourselves to creating a party of trust and trustworthiness, and we have to be men and women of integrity that people can identify with."
SLIGHTED
Deputy general secretary Williams, while noting that he was being "slighted" by the party hierarchy for his perceived backing of Robertson in the race against Seaga loyalist Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, said his background should make him the choice of the delegates. "I bring a wealth of experience to the table," he said. "My credentials are solid ...I will never compromise my integrity or my beliefs for anyone and my candidacy represents one of trust, loyalty to the JLP and lots of hard work. This is not about talk ...action speaks louder than words."
Samuda, who is considered the likely favourite, said that at a time when the party needed someone who could be a unifying force, he was the person best equipped for the job. "I bring to the table, commitment plus the ability to mobilise," he said. "I also bring to the table a healthy dose of tenacity and fearlessness."
Bartlett, a former general secretary and considered a formidable candidate, said that his track record as a unifying force and a person who has consistently been delivering the goods for the party should put him in good stead with the delegates.
