The Editor, Sir:

Every three years, or at a frequency dictated by Parliament, Jamaica conducts national local government polls which brings with it the election of 227 parish councillors and, since 2003, a mayor in Portmore.

These men and women form the local authorities of the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation, the remaining 12 parishes and the municipality of Portmore. They have specific responsibility for the administration of local government services such as roads and works, health and sanitation, fire brigade, disaster management, street lights, and have over the years become the 'regulatory' body in each jurisdiction for water supply and garbage collection.

Unfortunately, successive governments have failed to recognise the work and worth of these individuals and in comparison to the members of parliament, who are given resources in the form of salary for drivers, office staff and budgetary support. Most parish council buildings do not even provide an office for the collective use of parish councillors.

Therefore, a councillor's ability to satisfy his constituents usually depends on the kind support, or the lack thereof, portrayed by his MP. In the event of good professional or personal relationships between MPs and councillors the people will benefit; if such pleasantries are not in existence then the opposite occurs.

It is even worse when MPs and councillors represent different political parties. There are even cases where MPs refer constituents seeking assistance to their councillors on a continual basis.

Given that a councillor has no funds from which to assist with social welfare, and there is the perception that politicians are responsible for the personal maintenance and welfare of the constituent, and more so those who supported him, he will be tempted on many occasions to request kickbacks from contractors in order that he might be able to secure his support for the next elections.

Resist temptation

Depending on the geographic location, the culture, and the support base of a division and the ability to resist temptation or to risk losing a re-election bid, councillors will need to evaluate their position or moral suasion and determine their political future.

It is indeed necessary to look at these facts and restructure the way resources are allocated to constituencies, otherwise young, vibrant, energetic political representatives will either be corrupted by the system, or exit it in order to maintain good moral and ethical standing. With each or both of those outcomes, Jamaica loses.

I am, etc.,

ALRIC CAMPBELL

campbell.ar@hotmail.com

Portmore