Phillips calls for increase in CDF; says State agencies have abandoned their roles

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Member of Parliament (MP) for Manchester North West, Mikael Phillips, has joined the call for an increase in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), arguing that MPs are being asked to fill roles where State agencies have retreated.

He made the call on September 22 during his contribution to the State of the Constituency Debate in the House of Representatives. Phillips joins at least three other Opposition MPs and one Government member who, in recent days and weeks, have called for the CDF to be increased from the current sum of $20 million annually. All have said the amount is inadequate to meet the growing needs of their constituents.

“Because most State agencies have completely retreated from their operational duties, a dangerous systemic misconception has taken root across our communities. Today, from this honorable floor, I must correct the record and draw a clear line of constitutional accountability,” Phillips said.