Heather Robinson
HAVE YOU ever wondered what is in this thing called politics that makes some people do the strangest things? Some will argue that since Government is the biggest business in Jamaica, then those who have egos that are bigger than their bodies, and whose desire for power is greater than any other personal ambition, will go to any extreme to achieve political power. Recent activities make it necessary to take a look at this thing called 'politics'.
Most persons who enter political life are professionals or self-employed persons who are in most cases earning more than any councillor, Member of Parliament, Minister or Prime Minister. In days of yore, persons who sought to get themselves elected had a track record of serving the people, and certainly were never motivated by the salaries that they would receive. Personal sacrifice was a prerequisite for such positions. There was no prolonged fund-raising programme that netted millions of dollars, with surpluses after the final count. The normal state of affairs saw candidates working relentlessly in utilising their powers of persuasion; by being excellent living examples of decency and, of course, by being accessible to constituents.
COERCED CONSTITUENTS
Jamaica in 2005 is a totally different place. Some persons who have opted to serve in our parliamentary system have as their primary support group 'big business' who seek to utilise their long pockets to coerce constituents into submission and ultimately, support. Here are some examples of how this is done. Constituents have mortgage arrears and are being threatened with eviction. The would-be caretaker simply uses his best negotiating skills to have the arrears reduced, and provides manager's cheques to pay off the mortgage. Amounts vary from $300,000 to $150,000. Several influential constituents receive this as their first claim on the would-be caretaker. But there are other individuals who do not have mortgage arrears or mortgages at all, and they too need to be induced into supporting the would-be caretaker. These persons are given cash contributions ranging from between $30,000 and $50,000 depending on seniority. Some accept the cash, some do not.
Included in the group of persons who accepted the cash are some who have sworn never to support the giver, while there are others who accept the money with the expectation that there are more instalments that will be paid. Why would any would-be caretaker who was an M.P. before believe that this is the best route to travel?
During my 39 months as a Member of Parliament, I was not able to determine why candidates believe that it is necessary to literally bribe persons as a means of soliciting support. What is this 'thing' that makes some persons believe that it is necessary to 'fund-raise' and beg in order to appear to be the most benevolent of MPs. Donors of large sums of money are not generally individuals who have money to throw away, with no anticipation of a return on their 'investment' in a constituency. All donors have to explain to their boards of directors or family members why the donation was given, and what will be the returns from such an 'investment'.
DANGER TO INTEGRITY
Business persons who attach themselves to an individual's campaign, have no connection with the political party, and have never attended a group or branch meeting or indeed the public session of the annual conference, pose a real danger to the integrity of Jamaica's two major political parties. What is clear, however, is that these business persons who are providing aspirants with access to so much money know what is in it for them. They must have been given undertakings and promises once the candidate is successful, and the yield on the investment must clearly surpass Government of Jamaica Treasury Bill rate of 12.88 per cent. Treasury Bill yields are GUARANTEED, and without risk.
Some candidates are more motivated by the potential for personal growth and development, than by any real desire to serve and represent the people of Jamaica. Sacrifice is not a part of their vocabulary. Contempt for the people is displayed by how they send messengers to solicit - not canvass delegate support, and never seek to take the donors into the communities where their largesse is being spent.
What is in this thing called politics? Why are some people running it down so? I never found it. Has your candidate found it?
Heather Robinson is a life underwriter and a former Member of Parliament.
