(WredJA) The ruling Jamaica Labour Party today blocked a motion by the People’s National Party’s Julian Robinson and Phillip Paulwell who moved to support the Integrity Commission (IC) recommendation to refer the investigation into Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ Statutory Declarations to the Financial Investigations Division (FID).
At today’s sitting of the Integrity Commission Oversight Committee, the motion, moved by Julian Robinson and seconded by Phillip Paulwell, followed the IC’s Special Report submitted to Parliament on September 5, 2024, which raised concerns about the Prime Minister’s declared assets between 2019 and 2022.
The motion called for the committee to accept the Integrity Commission’s recommendation to refer the matter to the FID for further investigation.
Despite the Commission stating that it could not reach a final conclusion due to the Prime Minister’s refusal to provide key financial details, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) majority voted against the motion, citing procedural and timing concerns.
In response, MP Phillip Paulwell, who has served on the committee for many years, expressed his disappointment at this unprecedented move.
“In all my years on this committee, I have never seen us reject the recommendations of the Integrity Commission. This is a curious break in custom and raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability,” Paulwell stated.
MP Julian Robinson, the mover of the motion, also voiced his concern about the implications of the decision. “The Integrity Commission Act grants the Commission the authority to refer matters to law enforcement bodies like the FID.
By blocking this motion, the government is effectively stalling the investigation and denying the Jamaican people the transparency they deserve. This is not about politics—it’s about integrity and good governance,” Robinson remarked.
A Shift in Oversight and Accountability
The outcome of the vote signals a worrying shift in how oversight bodies like the Integrity Commission are being treated. By rejecting the motion, further investigation into the Prime Minister’s financial declarations has been stalled, undermining the role of the IC and raising questions about the government’s commitment to transparency.
Paulwell 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 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,” he affirmed.
