Scean Barnswell, President of ALGA-J and Chairman of the Clarendon Parish Council - file photo
Scean Barnswell, President of the Association of Local Government Authorities of Jamaica (ALGA-J), has warned against the heavy-handed approach in carrying out investigations into local authorities.
According to Mr. Barnswell, ALGA-J welcomes the probe into the operations of these authorities, as it believes in transparency and accountability. However, he said the harsh way in which the matter is being dealt with could damage the integrity of the staff at parish councils.
He added that he has no evidence to support suggestions from his membership that the investigations are politically motivated. But, he said the group is "concerned as it relates to the sequence of events and the targeted councils because of the chairpersons from these authorities."
In the meantime, Mr. Barnswell has provided some insight into Tuesday's simultaneous operations at the St. Catherine and Clarendon Parish Councils as well as the Portmore Municipal Council.
Several documents were seized during the raids.
Speaking with RJR News Wednesday morning, Mr. Barnswell, who is also Chairman of the Clarendon Parish Council, outlined what he was informed was the reason for the investigations.
"They are investigating the awarding of contracts between the period from 2014 to present and I think they are also investigating the allocation of funds to the local authorities for drain cleaning and parochial revenue funds allocation," he explained.
He said the operation is expected to continue on Wednesday.
Tuesday's operations came four days after the Office of the Contractor General (OCG) informed the Ministry of Local Government that it has commenced a probe into the awarding of contracts at the Manchester Parish Council.
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