Hartley Neita

Before 1944, when every Jamaican over the age of 21 became entitled to vote for their political representatives in the legislature, these representatives were not paid.

They were not members of a political party and there was no leader of one group nor leader of an opposition faction. They argued for principles they personally believed in or for the principles expressed by those who voted for them, limited in number though they were then.

They spent their own money in their election campaigns. They did not enjoy the facility of purchasing a motor car duty-free every three years. They did enjoy one official pleasure in that they travelled in the first-class carriages of the railway - free. And they sat proudly in their seats, nodding their greetings to the railway station master standing on the platform as the train departed.

Not being paid, they did not receive a pension when they lost their seats or decided to retire.

The majority did not enter political service because of a job, but because of an absolute sincere and deep desire to make a contribution to a country they believed in and because of a desire to contribute to Jamaica's growth and development. There were, of course, charlatans as there are in every time and in every field of endeavour. And, of course, to many it was the glory of being the parish member of the Legislative Council and seemingly having the ears of the governor and the other officials of the State.

beck and call

Politicians today work much harder than those predecessors. As members of parliament, they are at the beck and call of every one of their constituents, every single one. They have to attend weddings and birthday parties with the appro-priate presents - preferably cash. Nine-nights and funerals are a must too. And they must be seen regularly at a church in the constituency.

If they become ministers, they must be in their offices for at least five days each week, plus attending Parliament and its committees, and spend a day in their constituencies. Some, of course, measure their success and popularity by the number of photographs of themselves published in the newspapers, forgetting that there are still many pit latrines in Jamaica - especially in their constituencies.

no authority

Then there are the councillors in the parish councils. They have responsibility, but no authority. They attend a council meeting once each month plus some committee meetings, from time to time. For this they receive a salary - and guess what, a pension. But what I cannot understand is why a former mayor, of one term, complained this week that he does not receive this perk.

I also do not understand why a prime minister who serves only one day in office should receive the very generous pension they do. Why, too, does the widowed spouse of a prime minister be entitled to his or her pension even if they are young and able-bodied and still working. Also why are these wives 'Most Honourable'? On the other hand, an ambassador is an ambassador for life, and in office he/she is His/Her Excellency; and Excellency too is the spouse. Yet when they retire they both lose the title of Excellency. These are anomalies which should be addressed.

Why, too, should members of parliament get a pension for two terms in office - 10 years - while civil servants have to work for 30 years before they can enjoy this little 'beeny' benefit.

There are, of course, many political representatives today who are genuine in their desire to serve. And even then, the vanity that comes with high office often supersedes selfless desire for service. There was one minister of former times, who subsequently rose to politica he never dreamed of, who refused to go up to his office when he was first appointed until the chair his predecessor sat in was changed!

Oh, man, proud man, dressed in little brief authority.