Jamaica never abused T&T funds: Former PM PJ Patterson

Former Jamaica prime minister P.J. Patterson has said the government of Jamaica has not abused the generosity of Trinidad and Tobago and has distanced himself from remarks made by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

The new Trinidad and Tobago leader said in Jamaica last week there would have to be greater responsibility in how funds are used to help Caribbean states.

Persad-Bissessar told her regional colleagues that there is need for greater accountability and transparency in the Petroleum Fund and the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) – both of which benefit tremendously from funding provided by Port of Spain.

"A lot of monies been shelled out by Trinidad and Tobago...we just cannot continue to do things in that way and each time there is a shortfall we cannot continue like Trinidad and Tobago is an ATM card...It just cannot happen anymore," Persad-Bissessar said.

Speaking in Port of Spain, Patterson said he disagrees with Persad-Bissessar's view with respect to Jamaica.

"I can only speak for Jamaica and I would have to say that we did not line up or benefit from any ATM machine and I confine that remark to Jamaica,” he said.

And he added that the programs have always been administered "in a manner that always ensures accountability". Patterson said he believes those who have been responsible for the administration of the funds can account of their stewardship.

However he said he has no doubt about Persad-Bissessar's commitment to the regional integration movement.

"No one was left in any doubt that she is committed to the regional process, perhaps her emphasis as she made it clear will be somewhat different than those which existed before," he said.

"She said that she wants to concentrate and ensuring that programmes are intended primarily for people in a very real sense, dealing with the vulnerable, the poor, the children and education.

"I think that is something that anybody can appreciate and would welcome at this time," he added.

Persad-Bissessar position is that she wants the Petroleum Fund to focus more on helping under developed CARICOM countries, with a focus on the environment, education, women and the creation of a CARICOM Children's Life Fund that would include the region’s private sector to help provide for children suffering from severe health problems.

The Prime Minister spoke of the children's fund at a political meeting on Friday night noting that it is something that she wants to expand globally through the United Nations. She said Trinidad and Tobago must lead the way in that project.