Mr Samuda should provide details for transparency and accountability

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing with reference to the article published in The Gleaner on June 24 regarding comments made by the Mr. Matthew Samuda at a post-Cabinet press briefing concerning the ongoing debate about the distribution of water projects across constituencies.

According to the report, Mr. Samuda described Mr. Ian Hayles’ concerns as “abject nonsense” and stated that the claim could easily be disproved. He further argued that “$11 billion is already being spent and three of the constituencies that will benefit the most are indeed being held by the Opposition,” adding that the projects are being “shared equally.”

As a diaspora dweller and consumer of these public statements, I believe the Jamaican people deserve more than political rebuttals. They deserve clear, factual information that allows them to make their own assessment of whether the claims being made by our elected representatives are accurate.

During his sectoral presentation in Parliament, Mr. Hayles raised concerns about the location of 34 water projects identified by Mr. Samuda, suggesting that most of these projects are being undertaken in communities represented by Jamaica Labour Party members of parliament. Mr. Samuda has responded by stating that the projects are being shared equally and that three Opposition constituencies are among those receiving significant benefits.

The issue that requires clarification is simple: Are there indeed 34 water projects, where exactly are these projects located, and what criteria were used to determine their distribution?

If three of the 34 projects are located in Opposition-held constituencies, while the remaining projects are concentrated elsewhere, then the statement that projects are being “shared equally” requires further explanation. Conversely, if the distribution is balanced based on need, population, infrastructure challenges, or other objective criteria, then the Government should provide that information clearly so that the public can understand the basis for the decisions.

This is not about accusing anyone of wrongdoing. It is about ensuring that public resources are allocated fairly and that statements made by public officials are supported by transparent information. It is also an opportunity for Mr. Samuda to provide the details that would demonstrate that Mr. Hayles’ concerns are indeed unfounded.

Jamaicans deserve access to accurate, timely, and complete information. Transparency strengthens democracy and allows citizens to judge for themselves whether their elected officials are being truthful and accountable.

SYLVESTER ‘JIM’ BOWIE 

Professor Emeritus

School of Social Work 

California State University, Sacramento