JAMAICA Labour Party caretaker for West Central St Catherine Dr Christopher Tufton and his councillors are calling on Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller to authorise the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to release payment for close to 200 constituents who have completed Christmas work.

This appeal comes following the CDF’s decision to withhold some $3 million in constituency funds pending the signature of Member of Parliament Dr Ken Baugh, who is currently hospitalised in serious condition.

“As we pray for speedy recovery of Dr Baugh, I think the prime minister, given the circumstances, should find a way to help the people,” he said.

Dr Tufton explained that the programme for the workers, which included drain-cleaning and bushing, was prepared by Dr Baugh shortly before he underwent surgery but was not officially signed off on. Majority of the work has since been completed in some divisions, however, the CDF will not release the funds until the MP who is in intensive care, is able to sign off on these payments.

“I have spoken to Miss Munroe (head of the CDF) but she says they cannot do anything unless he (Dr Baugh) signs,” Dr Tufton explained.

He noted that he has also sought the intervention of the Office of the Contractor General but that effort proved futile as he was informed that the law does not allow for the payment to be made without the MP’s signature.

“… So we are calling on the prime minister to intervene to do whatever she can, given the extraordinary circumstances,” Tufton said.

He noted that among the options the prime minister could consider is for the parish council to approve and oversee the payments.

With the completion of the work delayed in some areas by workers who are concerned about how they will be paid, Tufton said it is important that the matter be resolved speedily, given the importance of this project to the respective communities.

He noted that not only does it provide jobs but also help in keeping the constituency clean.

Councillor for the Belleview Division Alvin Beckford said the workers were to have been paid since last Wednesday. However, despite the St Catherine Parish Council approving the payments, following the satisfactory completion of the work, they were unable to issue the cheques.

“I understand the cheques were drawn and ready for distribution but because the money didn’t come in from the CDF, they could not issue them,” Beckford told the

Observer.

He explained that it is customary for Dr Baugh to make up a Christmas programme every year to include drain-cleaning and bushing throughout the constituency. Prior to his operation, Beckford said the MP instructed his office to submit the same list as last year.

In the letter to the CDF, purportedly from Dr Baugh, it was explained that “a total of $3 million has been allocated to the constituency. Some $150,000 (five per cent) is being taken out as parish council service fees. The remaining $2,850,000 is allocated as set out … according to parish council divisions”. The names of the respective persons and the amount each was to be paid were attached.

Beckford explained that a supervisor is selected in each area and that person is responsible for hiring approximately five persons to complete that group.

He noted that not only do people rely on this work every year to prepare for Christmas but this year they did even more than normal.

“They did a considerable amount of work when they heard about the possibility of ZIKV coming to Jamaica and now they can’t get paid,” he said.

Beckford said the powers that be should treat the situation differently given that they are fully aware of how ill Dr Baugh is. “What is needed is just some understanding because if the man is sick you shouldn’t hold off on this money just because he is unable to sign,” he said.

According to Beckford, the yearly Christmas work knows no colour as there is no discrimination along party lines when persons are being hired.

“For some people the $2,000 or $3,000 that they are paid is what will determine what they can do for their children come Christmas,” he added.

Beckford said he is being bombarded on a daily basis by persons wanting an answer on when they will be able to collect their money. The situation, he said, could have further implications as some persons have begun to question whether the money was received by others.

“Some people are asking if it is true that the supervisors get money and not giving them, so you know this can have serious implications and so this is like a time bomb just waiting to explode,” he said.