Transparency has a way of shutting down rumours and innuendo. Consequently, when the public has been fully informed and that information is consistent, then the critics are left with very little to exploit.
This, we contend, is the approach that the operators of the Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness (BAEH) should adopt as the organisation and its president Kemar Saffrey have been caught up in the political crossfire.
During the Estimates of Expenditure and Revenue debate in the House of Assembly this week, the organisation and its president became the focus of attention after new Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorne questioned the government’s half-million dollars in funding to the group.
In his contribution in the Lower House, the recently minted political leader of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) questioned whether the $500 000 would become an annual contribution of taxpayers’ funding.
But even more controversial was Mr Thorne’s comments linking the non-governmental organisation’s (NGO) president to political campaigning in the constituency of St Michael East, which is currently represented by Member of Parliament Trevor Prescod.
Mr Thorne, who clearly intended to “ruffle feathers” among his former party colleagues, unapologetically threw down the gauntlet.
He stated: “Where there is virtue, I commend it and where there is vice, I condemn it. Let not any person who occupies that well fall into believing that my own civility and respect for honourable members . . . is to be construed as some concession to what I will identify as government’s wrongdoing.”
The Christ Church South’s characterisation of the NGO’s representative as one involved in singing “lullabies” and “reading bedtime stories” to the homeless was quite uncharitable. At the same time, he did outline some legitimate issues that required responses.
This is a political battle, the likes of which we have not seen in recent years. However, despite the issues raised by Mr Thorne, it was important to note that Mr Saffrey was in a position to swiftly defend himself and the work of his organisation to address the increasing level of homelessness on the island.
“I have no problem with anyone questioning the finances of the organisation or that of the government. The organisation puts its finances to Corporate Affairs every single year and I have my papers of good standing. They can always feel free to go to Corporate Affairs and see that we have finances from 2008 straight up to now. We are not hiding,” Saffrey declared.
Admittedly, his work is not something many Barbadians are rushing to apply for. It can be satisfying for those who find this work personally fulfilling but it is far from glamorous. At the same time, there are other established groups, such as the Salvation Army, who enjoy a long and unblemished history of working with and assisting the most vulnerable, including the homeless.
The Salvation Army provides feeding and a limited shelter facility. It also operates a highly successful Christmas Kettle Appeal to help the church-based organisation run its programmes during the year.
Last year, the Salvation Army outlined a most ambitious target of $850 000. Barbadians have trusted the Salvation Army over the years, often generously giving more than what was appealed for. Trust is the important word. The army has chosen to engage the talents and experience of an external advisory board which is chaired by longstanding business executive Paul Bernstein and includes experienced professionals who provide oversight and direction for the Salvation Army regarding charitable financial donations.
While Mr Saffrey continues to do excellent work with the growing number of homeless people in Barbados, it may be advisable, if he has not done so already, to appoint an independent advisory board that can work with his organisation.
This would engender greater trust and serve to combat any questions about how these significant state funds are being handled.
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