‘Not an undercover PNP front’

DETERMINED to shake off accusations of political bias and being an organisation that exists mainly to criticise the Government, Fi We Children Foundation is insisting that its criticism of government decisions is driven by its commitment to protecting children’s rights and holding those in power accountable. The foundation, which describes itself as a non-profit, non-partisan and youth-led organisation, says its public statements are only part of its work, which includes efforts to reduce violence in schools, improve children’s access to proper nutrition and give young people a greater role in decisions affecting their lives.

During a Jamaica Observer Press Club last Thursday, members of its Youth Policy Committee firmly rejected suggestions that the organisation is operating as an undercover political group, with attorney-at-law Antonio Davis saying its purpose is to give children and young people a voice in matters that directly affect them. “So we would categorically state that we’re not a psyop [psychological operation]. We would categorically state that we’re not an undercover basis for the PNP [People’s National Party], or any party, really. But what it is really, is that I think this foundation gives children the platform. “Many times, as young people, we’re in the driver’s seat and we’re just passengers watching life go by, and so this platform gives us an opportunity now to kind of hold on to the reins a little bit, hold on to the driving wheel a little bit, and have a voice… So I wouldn’t really say it’s just bashing the Government, but if we see something, then we say something,” Davis said. The foundation’s members argued that its willingness to highlight shortcomings in government policies should not be taken as evidence of political allegiance. They said…