EAC ready for campaign funding talks
published: Friday | November 28, 2003
EXECUTIVE MEMBERS of the Electoral Advisory Committee (EAC) say they are available for discussions with the two major political parties on the issue of campaign funding.
Chairman of the EAC, Professor Errol Miller, said his committee would serve as a facilitator, supporting a bi-partisan task force on the issue. The EAC also recommended that islandwide town meetings be held, following which a draft report should be sent to Parliament.
Concerns about campaign funding were raised following charges made, and later withdrawn, by Opposition Leader Edward Seaga that tainted money was used to fund James Robertson's campaign for deputy leadership of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
Mr. Seaga's statement led to the initiation of investigations by the police at the request of Robertson and his supporters. Political Ombudsman Bishop Herro Blair has since commended the police for the move.
Bishop Blair has written to the country's Crime Chief, Deputy Commissioner Lucius Thomas, expressing his support of the investigation. The Political Ombudsman said he was very interested in the outcome of the investigations.
He has requested a meeting with DCP Thomas to discuss aspects of the investigation.
