WHEN Ian Hayles was elected member of parliament for Western Hanover last year, he promised to work assiduously to improve the standards of living of his constituents.
At that time, the young MP made it clear that he would carry out the business of his constituents in a transparent manner.

It is not surprising then, that last month he purchased an advertisement in this newspaper, detailing how he intends to spend the $40-million that will be disbursed under the Constituency Development Fund this fiscal year.

"During the period of electioneering in 2007, I had promised to operate in a transparent manner in managing the affairs of the constituency. Therefore, it is with this in mind that I have, after continuous dialogue and consultation with you, as well as careful analysis, determined the allocation of funds for developmental projects within the constituency, and published via this medium, for your perusal and that of the general public," Hayles said in his half-page advertisement.

Among the projects listed by the MP, who won the seat on the People's National Party (PNP) ticket are:

. a performing arts centre for Lucea, expected to cost $1.5 million;

. the upgrading of Watson Taylor Park, at a cost of $2 million;

. a $2-million education fund; and

. $2-million for agricultural development.

The MP's proposal also includes a substantial amount earmarked to undertake work on a number of roads in the constituency.

As I understand it, Hayles' proposal was formulated after weeks of consultation with roughly 36 communities in the constituency.

During that time, teams were dispatched in almost every nook and cranny of the constituency to assess the needs of residents in the respective districts.

The exercise, I am told, involved the random polling of roughly 100 persons in each community.
Committees were later formed in each community, and consensus reached by the residents on priority areas for attention.

But that's not all.
Following that, the MP reportedly met with the various committees before a final decision was taken on the projects to be submitted to the Constituency Development Fund Unit.

It is my view that Hayles, a first-time MP, should be commended.

He has apparently made great effort to get the full participation of the constituents in formulating the projects.
Furthermore, I am told that it was his personal funds that were used to buy valuable space in this publication, in an effort to publicise the projects that his constituents want to be undertaken.

That's what the CDF should be about - transparency and getting the involvement of the respective communities.
It is hoped that other political representatives will do likewise.

Trousers in Denim

Cream of the 'Crop'

Cheeky's World