Our Readers' Opinions
August 28, 2015
A little confused by Bequia Youth’s letter

Editor: I am more than little confused by “Bequia Youth’s” letter and question to MP Dr Godwin Friday. My understanding of the role of a Member of Parliament is that he is an advocate for the interests of the people who elected him, not an expected donor of funds to support public facilities. His role is to see to it that Government exercises its budgetary authority in such a way that the needs of his constituency are appropriately served.{{more}} If the case were otherwise, as suggested by the letter writer, Congress in the US would be elected entirely on the basis of their ability to contribute from their personal fortunes. It would consist of Vanderbilts, Astors, Rockefellers, Fords, Waltons, Kochs, Pritzgers, Mars, Hearsts, etc, all of whom would be expected subsidize the public facilities within their constituencies. So what are tax dollars for? What is the role of Government? If a Prime Minister offers personal matching funds for a public project,that is cheap rhetoric, not statesmanship.

JOE