The government members of the Integrity Commission Oversight Committee are intensifying their demand for more answers from the anti-corruption body regarding its ongoing investigation into Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ statutory declarations.
Their call comes as they unanimously rejected a motion seeking to have the anti-corruption body’s report on the Prime Minister referred to the Financial Investigations Division, FID.
The motion was tabled by Opposition member and South East St. Andrew MP, Julian Robinson.
Chevon Campbell tells us more.
Mr. Robinson, in defense of his motion, argued that clearing the cloud of suspicion now looming over the Prime Minister is critical to preserving public trust.
In its report, which was tabled in the House of Representatives last Tuesday, the Integrity Commission revealed it could not certify the Prime Minister’s statutory declarations without further investigation by the FID.
However, Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck expressed outrage, calling the actions surrounding the report deeply troubling.
Labour and Social Security Minister, Pearnel Charles Junior, took it a step further.
He questioned whether the Integrity Commission itself might require scrutiny for potential corruption.
Minister Charles Junior accused the Commission of attempting to extend its investigation through the FID in an inappropriate and overreaching manner.
Legal Affairs Minister Marlene Malahoo Forte, questioned why the Commission was seeking Parliament’s endorsement for something it had already set in motion.
According to her, the Prime Minister’s declarations had already been referred to the FID, making the Commission’s request perplexing.
This stance was echoed by government member and South West St. Catherine MP, Everald Warmington, who cast doubt on the legality of the entire move.
In rejecting the motion, government members of the oversight committee extended an invitation to the Integrity Commissioners to face further interrogation regarding the report.
That meeting is set for October 3. Though, to date, the commissioners have yet to appear before the committee.
Whether they will seize this opportunity remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, in a statement following the vote, the Opposition People’s National Party, says the outcome of the vote signals a worrying shift in how oversight bodies like the Integrity Commission are being treated.
It says the rejection of the motion has further stalled investigation into the Prime Minister’s financial declarations.
According to the Opposition, this undermines the role of the IC and raises questions about the government’s commitment to transparency.
It added that the government’s decision to block the motion sends a troubling message to the Jamaican public, suggesting that important checks and balances are being disregarded for political reasons.
The PNP says it will not relent and will use all lawful means to ensure probity and keep the government honest while upholding principles of good governance and accountability.
And Minister Chuck, says the Integrity Commission must be made to certify the Prime Minister’s statutory declarations.
He says the country deserves finality.
Speaking at Tuesday’s sitting of the Integrity Commission Oversight Committee,Minister Chuck says any further referral constitutes fishing.
Delroy Chuck, Minister of Justice.
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