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www.Jaroaica-gteaner.comVOLUME 67 NO. 3 KINGSTON, JAMAICA 126 PAGESJANUARY 15, 2006 includes gct $50YaHneake SterlingStaff ReporterTHE STAKES are highindeed, so high that the ‘would-be’ prime ministers of the People’s National Party are currently waging multimillion-doliar campaigns for the coveted prize.In less than two months, one of the four contenders - Portia Simpson Miller, Dr. Peter Phillips, Dr. Omar Davies or Dr. Karl Blythe - will have won, thanks to the millions received from rich companies and or individuals.Three of the contenders have launched high-profile campaigns and have appeared at mass rallies. In contrast, Dr. Blythe has maintained a grass roots role, making only select appearances.D.K. Duncan, who represents Dr. Davies’ ‘Campaign For Prosperity’, told The Sunday Gleaner that, “Elections are very expensive, be it internal or external.”Paul Burke, deputy campaign manager for the Simpson Miller team, said that his cash-strapped candidate has received funds from several sources: fundraising, volunteers, members of Team Portia, friends of TeamRUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHERSupporters at the People’s National Party 67th Annual conference at the National Arena in September 2005.members of the campaign cover their own expenses, including gasolene and telephone.He said the Simpson Miller team had a projected budget of $1.5 million for its fieldwork, but had only realised about 30 or 40 per cent of that amount.“Our candidate refuses to ask anybody for money. She wants no lOU’s out there,” Burke explained.He stated that his candidate’s refusal to ask for money from corporate entities has handicapped her campaign. He is adamant Team Portia is not receiving tainted funds.APPROVED LISTft*“The central organisation has strict financial regulations: All funds are centrally handled and acknowledged,” said Mr. Burke. There is an approved list as to who contributions are solicited from, and I am absolutely confident that all the money received is high, high above board.Concerning last Sunday’s campaign launch in Morant Bay, St. Thomas, Mr. Burke revealed thatcosts amounted to $200,000.“This paid for the venue, the PA system, food and transportation of supporters from Manchioniel, and in and around St. Thomas.Dr. Duncan says he doubts that such an event could have cost as little as $200,000.“It’s just not on,” he said. “That’s unrealistic and eventually untrue - unless they do not account for contributions in kind.” He revealed that the Davieslion on their Denbigh event alone. “About $2 million of that money was spent on transportation. There were about 5,000-6,000 supporters present and1,500 potential delegates,” he stated.Please see STAKES, A3PNP candidates fork outmillions for presidency
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Kingston Gleaner
Kingston, Kingston, JM
Sun, Jan 15, 2006
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