The Editor, Sir:

The Trafigura scandal provides the grand opportunity for civil society to demand and insist on new laws governing electoral and party funding, gifts and other benefits to political parties and politicians. We must also insist on rigorous enforcement of such current laws as the Corruption Prevention Act, the sections in the Representation Of The People Act dealing with bribery and the Parliament (Integrity of Members) Act.

Session after parliamentary session new laws are introduced which admittedly take away and cut down on individual rights. Our rights to privacy and freedom of movement have been seriously eroded by recent laws and proposed laws. We are told that these sacrifices have to be made in the national interest and for the public good.

Yet parliamentarians on both sides of the political fence have seen no similarly compelling need to render real accountability to the people of this country and subject themselves to real and effective legislative scrutiny for the national good.

Truth must be told

The truth behind the millions of Trafigura money must be fully explored and exposed. All those involved must take full responsibility. But if this is not to be just another political football we must introduce legislation to fundamentally change the rules of the game.

Such legislation must include:

An upper limit on campaign expenditure.

A limit to the value of gifts from individuals to each political party and to individual politicians.

Detailed reports by political parties on campaign and other political activities including an accounting of all gifts, donations or payment for services.

Ban on gifts and donations by corporations or companies, whether local or foreign, to political parties or political representatives.

State subsidies of campaign activities to be linked to the total expenditure as well as individual contributions.

Requirements for free media space/time for political debates.

Prohibition or severe restriction and monitoring of 'gifts' of all kinds to sitting politicians.

It is now clear that we ask too much when we ask politicians to regulate themselves. Perhaps they are only programmed to react when sensational political points are to be scored. We need to have such laws in place to help them to help themselves; to insulate themselves from commercial and criminal influence local and abroad.

Unless this is done we give up our individual liberties in vain and our sacrifices are pointless and to no avail.

I am, etc.,

JACQUELINE SAMUELS-BROWN

firmlaw@cwjamaica.com