Prime Minister Andrew Holness has rejected a conclusion by the Integrity Commission that there was unexplained growth in his net worth for the year 2022.
The Prime Minister made the assertion on Tuesday as he addressed the long-awaited special report from the integrity watchdog into his statutory declarations.
Holness says the claim that there was an increase of $1.9 million, or less than 1% of his total net assets, cannot be supported as a material fact.
The Prime Minister also rejects the conclusion on the basis of significance.
Ricardo Brooks has the Prime Minister’s response.
The Prime Minister says after an extensive investigation into his affairs, the Integrity Commission was unable to find any wrongdoing.
That growth was $1.9 million, or less than 1% of the Prime Minister’s total net assets.
Holness says in coming to that conclusion, the Integrity Commission relied on incorrect data.
Andrew Holness has other issues with the findings of the Seymour Panton-chaired Commission.
He has rejected the finding that he acquired an asset for which the source of funding was not explained.
The Prime Minister told Parliament the entire matter started because of an incorrect statement from a bank.
Holness says the matter has since been rectified.
But the Prime Minister questions the Integrity Commissions’ conclusions.
He specifically rejects allegations that he hindered the examinations of his declarations by failing to provide requested information.
In his first reaction to the investigation that has dogged his administration and threatened his political career, the Prime Minister says he has remained committed to his job, despite attempts to distract him.
Holness launched an impassioned defence of his conduct in public office.
He says has always worked hard for all he has achieved.
The Prime Minister says he will continue to rely on God for strength.
Credit: Source link