Alliance For Change (AFC) leaders last Thursday said they were confident that with the help of their coalition partners and overseas members, the party’s $43M elections debt would be reduced considerably.
It was revealed that the party was facing the huge debt by Dominic Gaskin, when he delivered the Treasurer’s report during the opening ceremony of the party’s recently-concluded 5th Biennial National Conference.
Gaskin stated that by the end of February, 2016, the party’s campaign debt stood at $43,488,639, resulting in its net assets being at a negative figure. He said that this debt figure has since been reduced with the help of the coalition partners.
He was confident that by the next audit, the debt figure will be down, resulting in the party’s net assets moving back up to a positive figure
At the AFC press conference last Thursday Gaskin, who is Minister of Business, was asked how the party intends to reduce the debt and whether doing this may lead to the provision of favours.
Gaskin said that whatever the party members do in government is open to public scrutiny and how they conduct the government’s business “is there for everyone to see.”
He said that the media knows when contracts are issued and what is being done at any point in time. “I don’t think our government operates in secrecy unless there are matters of confidentiality involved,” he said. “I assure you that is not what we do, otherwise we would not be in debt,” he added.
Asked about the plans to reduce the remaining debt, he said that there are a number of initiatives but no master plan. He said that the debt was considerable and the groups that form the coalition government do contribute to the party’s coffers and the reduction of debt.
He said there are many things happening at all levels which will contribute to the reduction of the debt.
Party leader Raphael Trotman added that the debt will be reduced through fundraising activities organised by the party’s overseas members. “If we were indeed corrupt, we would not have a debt. The fact that a political party in power had campaign debts should speak to something and I believe it is not uncommon. We are managing …we have made strides. We are a young party and with the strength of the delegates and the wider membership, we will get through it and I am of the belief sometimes that a little debt keeps you sharp. You must never feel comfortable in that all is well,” he said.
