The Editor, Sir:

The PNP has received a donation from Trafigura Beheer of some $30 million to assist the governing party in underwriting the expenses of the upcoming election. There is an argument heating up as to whether this donation is ethical or not.

There are two points that can usefully be made.

First, the next election is likely to cost a total of near to J$1 billion or about $8 plus million per candidate. After the election, no one anywhere will have a list that details all the donations in cash and kind that have been made directly to candidates and the two parties. No one person will know how many donations of the size of Trafigura Beheer's have been made; no one person will know how many candidates have been tarnished by being forced to take money from persons who will require some later 'kindness.'

Jamaica should not be asked to fund $1billion to be blown in an election campaign at this time.

There are many poor people in this country. It is an act of almost unbelievable hypocrisy, selfishness and callousness for political leaders to trigger a discretionary spend of this size at this time.

Second, there can be little doubt that the Trafigura Beheer donation arose because Trafigura Beheer has in the past, and presumably hopes in the future, to benefit from trading with the public sector in Jamaica. The Government of Jamaica is the trustee of the people, elected to manage the people's interest in the public sector.

If one accepts this analysis, then one wonders whether a trustee is entitled to benefit from his office. I think not.

PASS ON THE DONATION

So, the PNP needs to pass on the Trafigura Beheer donation so that it can be used for the general benefit of the public. The profits of Trafigura Beheer presumably arise from trading in oil. Why not allow the $30 million to be used to fix the incredible number of large potholes that now cost the motoring public so much money?

A sign could be installed by each former pothole: 'Pothole fixed by Trafigura Beheer.'

Trafigura Beheer is likely to have a longer-term relationship with Jamaica if its funds are used for the general benefit of the people rather than solely PNP candidates. The PNP will have acted ethically and ethical parties often get re-elected.

Yours respectfully,

Proactive taxpayer