GENERATION 2000 (G2K), the young professional arm of the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) says it is opposed to the practise of politicians, including some of its own, to dole out funds to individuals for their children’s education, to offset funeral and medical costs, and for other purposes.

New chairman Warren Newby, speaking at the organisation’s ‘Third Tuesday’ current affairs forum at the party’s Belmont Road headquarters, said the practice – although seemingly entrenched – was an undesirable one.

“It is not the ideal situation,” he told the Observer. “Where are these funds coming from to provide these resources? And, on what basis are these monies being doled out? It is not an ideal situation, but as it stands today, the members of parliament are forced to decide to assist a child or an elderly person with health fees. It is there. It is not the ideal situation. But it is there and it has to be addressed.”

Newby’s and G2K’s position appear to support similar sentiments expressed by former Peopl’es National Party (PNP) member of parliament for North East St Ann Danny Melville in 2001, who had cited in his resignation letter that the job of an MP was reduced to attending funerals and granting favours to constituents.

Like Melville, who resigned after stating his distaste of the practice of political handouts and a system which made him inadequate, Newby, admitted that both JLP and PNP were involved in the practice.

He was clear in his opposition.

“No I don’t [support that],” he told the Observer.

But Newby’s position and that of G2K may be falling on deaf ears in both parties given that individuals attending party meetings, including annual conferences, must be given food, and or bus fares. Transportation is normally provided, but as was clear in the last two annual conferences of the PNP and JLP, the deal was sweetened for individuals.

A minimum of $2,000 was paid to delegates, in some instances even where food was provided. Supporters received $1,000.

The parties fund the process through contributions from donors, which often results in the kickbacks to the individuals and companies. There are no laws for contributions to be disclosed.

G2K said Section 48 of the Constitution sets out the role of parliamentarians, defined as law making, for peace, order and good governance.

The JLP has long been a proponent of an economic model which provides employment to allow individuals to honour their responsibilities.

Despite such concern, Newby said accountability among public officials was the primary focus of the group as the country prepares for general elections which must be held before March 2008.

The press conference, which had as its theme ‘Reform of constituency representation’, presented an eight-point plan which it believes will restore credibility to the process of political representation.

At least three of the eight recommendations are stated party positions.

G2K wants all candidates to produce a manifesto for the constituencies they hope to represent; the setting up of constituency councils; establishment of 60 permanent constituency offices, mandatory submission of five-year development plans; fixed percentage budgetary allocation to a constituency development fund; legislation to determine basic responsibility for a member of parliament; amendment to the Representation of the Peoples Act, to allow the right of recall of non-performing representatives before their tenure ends, and all sessions and special select committees to be chaired by an opposition MPs, as obtain in the Public Accounts Committee.