JLP objects to Integrity Commission’s referral of Holness to FID
Published:Tuesday | September 17, 2024 | 6:18 PM
The ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has taken issue with the Integrity Commission for referring a report on Prime Minister Andrew Holness' income and assets to the Financial Investigations Division (FID).
The JLP has objected to the basis of the referral, noting that it relates to a transaction where a financial institution admitted to making an error.
It has accused the commission of acting outside of its powers.
The party is urging Parliament to conclude its review of the Integrity Commission Act “to ensure the anti-corruption body conducts its business with greater fairness, equity and regard for the rule of law.”
“The Jamaica Labour Party denounces attempts by the Integrity Commission to act outside of its legal remit by seeking to, without credible basis, refer for investigation by the Financial Investigation Division, a transaction where a financial institution admitted making an error.”
The commission's Director of Investigation Kevon Stephenson made the referral to the FID over concerns about the funding and operations of companies linked to the Prime Minister.
The commission said “there can be no finality” in the certification of assets for 2019-2022 without further probe.
“The findings of the DI's investigation raise significant questions around the income generating capacity of the referenced companies, relative to the funds which have been identified in their accounts,” the report said.
Meanwhile, the JLP says it welcomes the ruling of the Integrity Commission's Director of Corruption Prosecution that there is no legal basis to proceed against Holness for a combined total of approximately $400,000 located in four bank accounts belonging to his parents and former constituency secretary.
The party also notes the finding of the corruption prosecution director that the evidence which support an explanation provided by the Prime Minister is far greater than evidence to the contrary.
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