Jamaica Council of Churches Warns Against Politicizing Integrity Commission Report
The Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) has warned against politicizing the Integrity Commission’s (IC) investigation into Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s financial affairs. In a statement, the JCC urged caution and called for patience and the allowance of due process.
Background
Both the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) have been engaged in a tit-for-tat response to the IC report laid in the Parliament last week. The report recommended that the Financial Investigations Division, Tax Administration Jamaica, and the Financial Services Commission take a closer look at the transactions and dealings of three companies linked to Prime Minister Holness, which amount to more than J$470 million.
Prime Minister’s Response
Prime Minister Holness has already instructed his attorneys to initiate legal action against senior members of the PNP following comments about the Integrity Commission’s report on his financial affairs. However, the PNP said it is not bothered by the threat of legal action and has called on Prime Minister Holness to step down in light of the Integrity Commission’s report on its investigation into the income and assets declarations submitted by Holness for 2019-2022.
JCC’s Position
In its statement, the JCC warned that politicization of the matter must be avoided. The JCC said it "strongly encourages the closure of the legal lacunae (space) that may have been identified as soon as possible" and emphasized the importance of allowing the process recommended by the IC to run its course.
The JCC also asserted that there is a better time to contemplate changes to the Integrity Commission Act due to pressure from the Government, the Opposition, and/or partisan public outcry. It encouraged the nation to await the completion of the current process patiently and warned that partisan political interpretations and applications of the report should be avoided until clarity is achieved.
Jamaica Business Community’s Statement
Earlier this week, the Jamaica business community called for the public to respect the ongoing processes. In a joint statement, the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), and Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) emphasized the importance of allowing the institutions of good governance and oversight to carry out their mandates without public intimidation, derision, or coercion.
Conclusion
The JCC’s statement serves as a timely reminder of the importance of upholding the principles of integrity, accountability, and transparency in governance. As the country moves forward, it is crucial that the Integrity Commission’s report is given the space to be thoroughly investigated and that partisan politics are set aside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the Integrity Commission’s investigation into Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s financial affairs?
A: The purpose is to ensure transparency and accountability in governance and to provide clarity on the Prime Minister’s financial dealings.
Q: What is the Jamaica Council of Churches warning against?
A: The JCC is warning against politicizing the Integrity Commission’s report and against making partisan political interpretations and applications of the report before clarity is achieved.
Q: What is the stance of the Jamaica business community on the matter?
A: The Jamaica business community has called for the public to respect the ongoing processes and has emphasized the importance of allowing the institutions of good governance and oversight to carry out their mandates without public intimidation, derision, or coercion.
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