Positive voteby senator

THE EDITOR: I congratulate Senator Dr Maria Dillon-Remy on her positive vote on the Procurement Bill. I agree with her for the following five reasons:

1. Most jurisdictions, including Jamaica, the European Union, etc, do not have the clause which hamstrings the Government.

2. Over 90 per cent of contracts will fall under the scrutiny of the procurement legislation.

3. There are several other laws under which the exemptions could be challenged – follow the money, FATCA, anti-gang, etc

4. The legal and world environment has changed significantly. Many new laws covering fraud and criminal activities are now on our books and the covid19 pandemic has caused social and economic chaos. Governments need the flexibility to act and seize opportunities for government-to-government arrangements to stimulate economic activity and provide assistance to the population.

5. The laws could always be changed to include more measures that severely restrict if a government comes into power and sees the need to put back the original clause or more stringent measures.

Some, mostly those who have not read or listened to the whole debate, are making uninformed, self-seeking and bandwagonist comments including "is our money." Please note that the money also belongs to Dillon-Remy and others – like me who supports the bill with its amendment.

Richards made a good amendment. Dillon-Remy showed courage and true independence.

LAURA LA CAILLE

via e-mail