CHASE Fund

The CHASE Fund was set up by the government to receive, distribute, administer and manage that part of the taxes received from the sale of lottery tickets.  It is currently distributed to sports – 40%, early childhood education – 25%, health – 20%, arts and culture – 15%.   The question must arise given the severity of the global recession as to whether the current split should be maintained.  Are we setting the right priorities given the present economic situation?

The idea of the distribution basis was to promote a wide range of activities in which persons can participate.  But is it right that communities should get centres for playing games while persons are dying because hospitals do not have the necessary equipment to keep them alive?  Should we be singing and dancing while our children are unable to receive an education due to lack of schools, furniture and equipment?  How do we as a country decide on what should be the priorities of the country?  How do we influence our government or its agencies so that we can make changes to suit our priorities?

I am not here to say what the ratio should be but I am seeking to stimulate persons into thinking about how we prioritise.  It seems to me that more discussion is needed about how our limited resources are best spent.  It may be that we need to sacrifice some things now for the immediate benefit of others.  At a later date when the situation has improved then we can reassess our goals.  It is not about denying persons opportunities in other areas but it is about how we as a people see our future development and what kind of society we wish to have.

There is no solution that will make all persons happy but talking about it brings about communication.  If we do not talk about these issues we will never see solutions only problems.  Communication always leads to different ideas and options about an area.  Discussing those options can lead to setting a platform on which we can all agree and that will pave the way for moving forward.  Jamaica is our country and we ought to take more time and have more say in how we see it grow.