International Lending Agencies Must Stop Giving Grants to Countries That Squander The Money

Loans and grants to Jamaica from foreign entities continue to be misappropriated by top officials in Jamaican government ministries. These monies are expected to serve as necessary funds for ailing industries, farmers experiencing difficulties, improvement of infrastructure, etc.  Yet, millions of dollars have been going instead to chairmen and members of government boards or permanent secretaries such as Donovan Standberry who should be responsible for ensuring that the monies are disbursed appropriately. Clearly there is a cesspool of corruption in the Jamaican government when the auditor general, Pamela Monroe-Ellis continuously uncovers that hundreds of millions of dollars have not been going through the proper checks and balances. Instead, a conflict of interest is prevalent with those who should be managing the funds for public use are giving themselves personal loans. Yet, even after the audit reports of such criminal acts, no actions have been taken to either reclaim the ill-gotten funds or arrest these highly connected persons. Tax payers in countries such as the United States should become aware of what is occurring since often it is their tax payer's money that are going to developing countries such as Jamaica where, the funds are squandered by these unscrupulous persons in high government positions. It is no longer acceptable for these international loan representatives to visit these countries, stay at the most expensive hotels, and be wined and dined prior to becoming a part of a public relations photo op to hand over a check worth millions of dollars. It is now time to take steps to ensure that the funds are used to address the needs of the country.  In the meantime, these senior managers/executives will have to answer to their conscience as the very critical public, including "friends" silently judge them on how they acquired their property.  The three stories below are examples of the blatant use of moneys from international agencies.

$655 Million Unaccounted for at PC Bank

Factories Corporation of Jamaica Spending Spree

$200 Million Disbursed Without Approval

Housing Association of Jamaica - $2 Billion Missing

Port Authority Pension Bombshell

Candidates Accused of Not Accounting for Election Donations