22nd September 2011
Introduce Campaign Finance Legislation

As political parties settled down to what could become a long and drawn out election campaign the silence on something that in earlier years had drawn widespread debate is deafening.
The four political parties that will be contesting the elections have so far said nothing about financing of election campaigns, an issue that in 2006 saw then Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony and then opposition leader deceased Sir John Compton sparring over.
The Government of Taiwan featured in the controversy that followed with Dr. Anthony accusing Sir John of obtaining funds from Taiwan.
It must be noted that back then Saint Lucia under the Labour Administration had established diplomatic ties with China after withdrawing the country’s support from Taiwan.
Taiwan had an embassy in neighbouring Saint Vincent and the Grenadines where it was reported Sir John met with the then Taiwanese President. Sir John had denied the charge but subsequently admitted meeting with the Taiwanese President after Dr. Anthony showed the proof.
The argument back then was for the introduction of campaign finance reform legislation that would prohibit political parties from accepting monies from anyone, any government and any group or organization.
As relevant as the issue was back then, events leading up to the pending general elections have shown themselves to be just as relevant today as well, however the issue seems to have been forgotten. Or has it?
Is it a matter now where the two main political parties and the newly formed ones see themselves in need of some deep pockets to finance their campaigns hence the reason why they all are mum on the issue of campaign funding?