Letter of the Day | Defend Integrity Commission and uphold transparency
Published:Saturday | September 21, 2024 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
In light of the recent Integrity Commission (IC) report into the financial affairs of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, we must reflect on the implications for governance, transparency, and the rule of law. This moment demands that Jamaicans not only support the IC in its efforts to uphold integrity in public office but also scrutinise the ongoing attempts to diminish its authority.
The IC stands as one of the few bulwarks against corruption and abuse of power. It is crucial that this body be allowed to function independently and without undue interference from those it seeks to hold accountable. Attempts to weaken the IC often come under the guise of “reforming” the law. However, people must remain vigilant and not allow any legislative amendments that would defang this vital institution.
The recent IC report raises pertinent issues concerning the statutory declarations made by Prime Minister Holness. While the report did not find sufficient evidence of deliberate wrongdoing, it uncovered gaps in the prime minister’s financial disclosures. From a financial standpoint, these discrepancies highlight potential risks of mismanagement or misuse of funds which should concern every citizen.
The IC’s focus on the prime minister’s statutory declarations underscores the legal obligation of public officials to disclose their financial holdings accurately. Statutory declarations are not mere paperwork; they are fundamental checks within the system to deter corruption. When these declarations are incomplete or contain questionable transactions, it prompts a legitimate concern regarding the official’s ability to manage public resources responsibly.
Further, Mr Stephenson’s report recommended that the Financial Investigations Division (FID) and tax authorities investigate the financial activities of companies linked to Mr Holness. These suggestions are not frivolous; they arise from the duty to ensure that public officials are not illicitly enriching themselves or circumventing tax obligations. As citizens, we should demand that these investigations be carried out transparently and without political interference. Only then can we trust that our leaders adhere to the same rules as the rest of us.
Prime Minister Holness’ recent remarks about the need to review the IC’s governing law should raise eyebrows. It is not the first time that the government has indicated discomfort with the commission’s probing eyes. Such rhetoric often leads to attempts to undermine the IC’s independence and power, evidenced by past efforts in Parliament to place the commission under stricter legislative control.
The recent calls for reform should focus not on weakening the IC, but rather on bolstering its resources and legal framework to allow for more comprehensive investigations. For instance, one improvement could be to grant the IC direct access to financial records and accounts, reducing delays in investigations. Additionally, the law should ensure that any findings of the IC are automatically subject to public scrutiny, rather than being filtered or delayed by parliamentary processes.
Transparency is non-negotiable. In countries where corruption thrives, it often begins with an erosion of oversight mechanisms like the IC. Therefore, the IC’s role in investigating the prime minister’s statutory declarations should not only be welcomed but also actively supported. This support must be unwavering, especially when political actors hint at politicisation or question the Commission’s findings.
It is essential that the public remains informed and vigilant. Any proposals to revise the IC’s mandate must be scrutinised to ensure that they enhance, rather than curtail, the commission’s capacity to combat corruption.
The Integrity Commission should be supported in its difficult work, ensuring that no one is above the law and that every Jamaican, regardless of status, is held to the same standards of integrity and accountability.
JANIEL MCEWAN