The Government is adamant that political victimisation will not be tolerated in the administration ofthe annual Christmas clean-up programme.

Hundreds of citizens will be employed in the bushing of overgrown shrubbery and the clearing of walkways across the island that will cost just under $23 million.

Robert Montague, state minister with responsibility for local government reform, said yesterday that all parish council representatives have been warned that sanctions will be laid against those who do not adhere to proper procedural regulation.

"This administration is not tolerating victimisation and we are hoping that councillors wrote their programme reflective of needs in their division," Montague told The Gleaner.

Mismanagement of funds

Throughout the year, special emphasis was placed on leadership, with seminars conducted for councillors in an attempt to erase political nepotism.

Montague has urged citizens to report to the Local Government Department any evidence of mismanagement of funds.

"If they see this waste of public funds, they are to speak out," he said.

The clean-up programme officially begins today and all parish councils were notified of the funds allotted to them yesterday.

Work will commence today while the payments will be issued on December 19.

Deadlines met

A few months ago, Montague issued a warning to all parish councils that if accounting statements were not issued by October 30, funds for the festive season would be withheld.

He said, however, that with the exception of St James and St Ann, which were granted an extension, all councils met the deadline.

As part of a new initiative within the programme, students at the secondary level and from tertiary institutions will be employed.

The department is working in collaboration with the National Solid Waste Management Authority to clean the nation for the holidays.

Funds allocated

$22.8 million: of this amount, approximately $100,000 to each division.

$100,000 per parish for a student work programme.

$100,000 granted to eight parish councils for good behaviour.