PM Holness Receives Government Support Amid Asset Declaration Controversy
Government Legislators Voice Support
Prime Minister Andrew Holness
Prime Minister Andrew Holness received a show of support from government legislators, who rallied around him amidst controversy surrounding his asset declarations to the Integrity Commission (IC). This came as the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) dismissed threats of a lawsuit by the head of government.
According to a statement issued by Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Edmund Bartlett, it is "clear that the Parliamentary Opposition has been misusing and misrepresenting reports of the Integrity Commission to malign the prime minister." The government caucus expressed concern over the Opposition’s "apparent insider knowledge of the Integrity Commission’s activities, which should be confidential."
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Government legislators Friday publicly supported Prime Minister Andrew Holness in the controversy surrounding his asset declarations to the Integrity Commission (IC) as the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) brushed aside threats of a lawsuit by the head of Government.
The Integrity Commission Report
The Integrity Commission recommended that the Financial Investigation Division (FID) and Tax Administration Jamaica examine aspects of Holness’s financial affairs. The PNP has called for Holness’ immediate resignation, citing loss of trust and confidence in the prime minister. However, the government continues to stand by its leader.
Government Legislators’ Concerns
"We want to make it abundantly clear that we will not tolerate any politically motivated attacks on the prime minister’s character or his leadership," Bartlett emphasized, adding that "as representatives of the Jamaican people, we stand united with Prime Minister Holness and we will defend his name and reputation with the full force of the Constitution and the law."
On Thursday, government legislators in the Senate adopted a similar position.
FID Analysis
The FID will comprehensively analyze the Integrity Commission’s Investigation Report into the Prime Minister’s Statutory Declarations. In a release on Thursday, the FID said it would also seek to determine what, if any, specific area may be probed in keeping with its mandate. The FID added that it has referred the report to the FID and that "there can be no finality" in the certification of assets for 2019-2022 without further probe.
Conclusion
As the controversy surrounding the Integrity Commission report continues, Prime Minister Holness’ attorneys have threatened legal action against senior members of the PNP. Meanwhile, the PNP remains steadfast in its commitment to good governance, transparency, and integrity in public life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the purpose of the Integrity Commission’s report on Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ financial affairs?
The report is designed to ensure transparency and accountability in government, specifically focusing on the prime minister’s asset declarations. - What are the recommendations made by the Integrity Commission regarding Prime Minister Holness’ financial affairs?
The report recommends that the FID and Tax Administration Jamaica examine aspects of Holness’ financial affairs. - Why has the PNP called for Prime Minister Holness’ resignation?
The PNP claims that Holness has lost the trust and confidence of Jamaicans due to the controversy surrounding the Integrity Commission report.
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