Save CAFFE - Democracy Not Monitored Could Be Under Threat

By Michael Spence

Michael Spence

I write in support of Citizens Action for Free and Fair Elections — CAFFE. For almost 30 years, CAFFE has been Jamaica's only independent local election watchdog. Since 1997, it has observed 11 general and local elections, standing in polling stations from Port Morant in St. Thomas to Negril in Westmoreland, and stopped ballot box stuffing, reduced vote buying and voter intimidation.

In the September 2025 general election, CAFFE wanted 1,000 volunteers but could only afford 500. Budget cut from $15 million after a USAID funding freeze. Its school democracy clubs — 40 schools in 2021 — now only six remain. This is dangerous.

The Electoral Commission and Electoral Office do excellent work. But, as CAFFE Chairperson Grace Baston said: "Democracy not monitored is democracy threatened."

CAFFE's 391 young observers in February 2024 and 500 in September 2025 were mostly 6th formers learning democracy.

How can Jamaica pay $115 million per year for NaRRA to rent the Digicel building plus $40 million for its head and pay Prime Minister $28.5 million retroactive to 2025, but cannot find $15 million to protect free elections?

They need private sector support — JMMB, WISYNCO, Mayberry, Supreme Ventures for example to assist in funding CAFFE now.

Save CAFFE. Save democracy.

Michael Spence

Michael Spence is a graduate of Cornwall College and the University of the West Indies. He is a trained teacher, a sociologist, and a writer for Bark Di Trute.

Micspen2@hotmail.com 

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