Two of Jamaica’s major private sector groups yesterday hauled the ruling People’s National Party (PNP) over the coals for its stance on the alleged gift of $31 million from oil trading partner, Trafigura. The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) and the umbrella Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) expressed disappointment with the manner in which the PNP had reacted to criticism of the issue.

The JCC said it was greatly disappointed with statements made by the PNP in which party spokesmen lashed the merchant grouping, suggesting that its President Mark Myers was politically biased, after he issued a statement on behalf of the Chamber.

“The JCC is outraged at suggestions by PNP Chairman Pickersgill that the Chamber’s president acted in a biased manner because he is related to members of the Opposition,” the Chamber said in a statement.

“The JCC would like to state categorically that Chamber policy statements are not indicative of a president’s personal thoughts or feelings. Statements from the Chamber reflect the decisions of the elected executive of the JCC, and are guided by the Chamber’s principles and ethics. When complete, those statements are issued under the president’s signature to reflect the collective views of the organisation,” the Chamber insisted.

But the JCC, responding to the PNP’s criticism that it did not address the breach of confidentiality at FirstCaribbean Bank from which the information was leaked about its receipt of the money from Trafigura, emphasised that it did not “condone the infringement reported”.

“…We are aware that this type of incident could result in the confidence in the banking system being shaken. We have been encouraged, however, by the swift response that the bank made to investigate the situation in-house, and to alert the national regulatory agencies for the banking sector about what is being done. The JCC expects that appropriate steps will continue to be taken by all those concerned.”

The JCC also reiterated that the central theme of its statement continued to be “the urgent need for the enactment of laws governing campaign financing”.

“We therefore do not hesitate to reiterate that we consider inappropriate any donation to any political party, which can lead to the type of concerns about transparency that the Trafigura Beheer transaction has engendered.

“We use this opportunity to once again extend the good offices of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce to facilitate a coming together by the parties involved to bring some semblance of order to the issues of political campaign contributions and transparency in the governance of our country.

“Finally, the JCC stands ready to assist the parties in whatever way we can but wish to reiterate that we will never shy away from standing up for what we believe is right for the Jamaican people and our country, regardless of which political party is involved,” the statement said.

In strong support of the Chamber, the PSOJ condemned “the recent scurrilous attack on the integrity of the president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), quoting Myers as saying: ‘You can choose your friends, but you cannot choose your family’. We support this truism.”

“Presidents do not act alone and news releases are a reflection of the opinions of the associations’ executives, who represent its members. Actions of this nature will not encourage business people to take time out from their commitments to ‘step up to the plate’ to lead associations in representing the interests of its constituents.

“We are extremely disappointed with the stance taken by the People’s National Party in this matter.

The Government is facing major issues as it relates to transparency, corruption and the highest standards of governance in respect of the well-being of all Jamaicans. This unnecessary attack can be seen as an attempt to sidetrack the more pertinent and important issues of the day.

“The PSOJ encourages the party to reconsider its charges and to address the message rather than the messenger,” the grouping said. In a separate statement, the PSOJ said it was deeply concerned with the revelation that the $31 million in question paid to CCOC was not a donation, but rather the fulfilment of a contractual obligation.

“Trafigura’s contractual relationships can only be with the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica and/or the Government of Jamaica. What then is its relationship with CCOC? There are many questions which need to be answered immediately and strong action required,” it said.

The PSOJ also called on the banking interests to deal immediately with the apparent breach of confidentiality at FirstCaribbean International Bank, in order to restore confidence.

“The unfolding events clearly focus the nation’s attention on the need to address the matter of registration of political parties and the critical matter of campaign financing.

“We understand that at a conference on campaign financing, attended by representatives of all political parties, an agreement was reached on significant areas, along with proposed sanctions for breaches. If the Government and Opposition are truly seized with its importance, then, they need only to indicate this in writing to the Electoral Advisory Council, which will then move for legislation.”