MARKS

Private sector officials say the Trafigura Beheer scandal and its subsequent calls for revelation of those contributing to political parties, has not generated any reluctance on the side of private companies to continue making contributions to political parties.

The scandal which broke three weeks ago, involved the contribution of $31 million to the People's National Party (PNP), from the oil-trading Dutch company. So far it has led to the resignation of the Information Minister Colin Campbell and also resulted in a no-confidence motion being moved against the Government by the Opposition. The censure motion failed but the issue spurned a wider concern over campaign finance legislation reform and transparency of the process of contributions to political parties.

Speaking with The Gleaner, chief executive officer of Paymaster Jamaica Limited, Audrey Marks, said instead of being reluctant to continue its contributions, the issues arising from the scandal have given private companies a chance to participate in the democratic process.

"We need to move past the situation of trying to buy influence with financial contribution and instead see it as a way of safeguarding the process," she said.

Improve financing process

She said private companies should support candidates who demonstrate or represent the tenets of effective leadership.

"Hence, corporate company financing gives an opportunity for persons who are not normally held accountable by the general population, to be refused support in favour of those who are accountable," she opined.

President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), Beverley Lopez said while she did not get the feeling there was unwillingness on the side of the private sector to contribute to political parties since the breaking of the Trafigura Beheer scandal, the situation has brought certain issues into the light and that will improve the process of campaign financing. She applauded the establishment of the Electoral Advisory Commission and said it would help to solve some of those financing problems. The Electoral Commission was formed through the passage of the Electoral Commission (Interim) Act on Friday.

"I don't think it is Trafigura itself that is creating the problem; what we are supportive of is that the EAC has now been approved as a commission and the EAC empowered to deal with matters of campaign contribution."

Mrs. Lopez said the private sector had no problem with reporting to the EAC about campaign contributions and added that the PSOJ would be working closely with the commission.

"The private sector has a lot of respect for the EAC and I think there is a level of comfort from that respect. It is a worthwhile step it is a process and we just have to support the EAC which has proven over the years to be an organisation of the utmost probity."

LOPEZ