THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE LIBRARY and Information Association of Jamaica (LIAJA) is keenly interested in how the principles of transparency and accountability will be upheld in the disbursement of the allocations under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) by each member of parliament (MP). We are interested not only as stakeholders in our national development, but also as disseminators of information.

In his recent presentation to the House, on the status of the fund, the prime minister emphasised the need for MPs to exercise extreme caution to ensure that "the programme is protected from corruption, nepotism, victimisation and partisan manipulation". He also urged them "to build the programme so that it can be an example of public probity and accountability in the discharge and expenditure of public funds".

We suggest that our parliamentarians engage the participation of citizens in living up to the expectations of the prime minister. One vehicle by which this participation could be solicited is through websites. The recent provision of free access to the Internet in public libraries across the island means that information through websites is available to all citizens.

Websites of MPs could be used to not only provide details of projects submitted for funding approval under the CDF, but also the status of ongoing projects inclusive of projected completion dates and, if necessary, the reasons for which completion dates need to be extended. Actual completion dates should also be given. Website features enabling feedback would be a means by which constituents could provide comments and suggestions on implementation, as well as recommendations for future projects.

Commitment to transparency

This level of transparency will not only provide constituents and the public at large with information on the performance of our representatives, but should also lead to greater consultation between citizens and representatives in determining the priorities for their communities.

This is an opportunity for Jamaica to demonstrate its commitment to transparency in governance, and the library network stands ready to assist in disseminating the information.

We hope our parliamentarians will respond positively to our recommendations.

We are, etc.,

Library and Information

Association of Jamaica