MEMBER of Parliament (MP) for St Catherine Eastern Denise Daley has called for a comprehensive Government-funded plan to properly finance and execute development projects across all constituencies in order to resolve the haphazard manner in which communities receive assistance.

“The time has come for us to put in place proper funding and execute plans to support growth and development in each constituency. For too long we have been operating in an haphazard way; time come for each Member of Parliament to put forward a plan to be executed within their constituency for each term in office. People not supposed to be voting for anybody and you can’t tell them what you’re going to do within a period of time, and that’s why part of this mandate must be that you tell the people what you’re going to do for them,” Daley told the House on Tuesday.

She said these plans must be approved by a bipartisan committee and funded by the Government of Jamaica.

“This can be done at the local level as well. With this type of planning the citizens will be aware and know what to expect when representatives are in office.”

The MP was making her contribution to the state of the constituency debate, which is presented during the third quarter of each financial year as a means of allowing parliamentary backbenchers, in particular, to put forward their proposals for constituency development.

She pointed out that while some of these projects may be delayed for various reasons, formally outlining plans to which citizens can refer would inspire confidence in the representatives.

Daley called for equitable distribution of funding to constituencies, lamenting what she said is the partisan manner in which constituencies are currently treated.

“This has to stop. The disparity in spending is shameful and it’s a clear indication that there is no equity in the allocation of the people’s money,” she said.

“We all have the same demands in our constituency, and our constituencies deserve equal attention and equitable treatment. I am calling on the prime minister and the minister of finance to ensure equity and proper distribution to all constituencies. Constituencies shouldn’t be left to the whims and fancy and mercy of ministers. I’m not supposed to be begging anything for my constituency, I’m not supposed to feel intimidated…It must stop…time come. The Government is responsible for all the people,” Daley insisted.

She also called for re-establishment of order in St Catherine to include the restoration and development of historical sites.

“When place develop criminal run weh because criminal nuh like too much order. If you organise the place you will be able to get the results…imagine the amount of resources and economic benefits and values it would bring to the surrounding communities. If we do not take swift action, very soon we will lose some of our major historical treasures,” Daley stated.