Father Richard Ho Lung, in his contribution to the debate on abortion in Parliament on February 26, and quoted in a Gleaner article on February 27, stated that "there is blood money from the European Union and post-modern USA. If you want our millions and billions of dollars, you must agree to legalise abortion. If you want our wealth, men must be able to be gay and women must be able to be gay. Without that you get no money".

Coordinating the negotiation

The responsibilities of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) include coordinating the negotiation of concessionary loan and grant resources from all international development partners. The PIOJ wishes to note that no programme has been entered into or is being negotiated by the Government of Jamaica with the European Commission (EC) or the United States Agency for Inter-national Development (USAID), in which the legalisation of abortion or homosexuality is a condition for release of resources or for signature of an agreement. Nor has any such request been made by these organisations.

The institute wishes to state, definitively, that in negotiations, we are fully cognisant of the need to protect Jamaica's rights as an independent and sovereign nation. In executing our responsibilities, highest consideration is given to ensuring that the established due processes for policy formulation and legislative deliberations are respected. Both the EC and USAID have shown sensitivity to Jamaica's rights and an appreciation of the due processes of this country.

I am, etc.,

WESLEY HUGHES

Director General

Planning Institute of Jamaica

Kingston 5