KINGSTON, Jamaica – Campaign director for the People’s National Party (PNP) Dr Peter Phillips at a press conference held today at the party’s Old Hope Road Headquarters, sought to defend his party’s decision not to debate unless certain requirements are met.

“Let me make it plain that the position of the party centres upon the specific role that the party has to protect the integrity of the political process,” Phillips said.

Noting that there has been much commentary for over 12 hours concerning the issue of the national debate, Phillips added that the PNP felt “compelled” to seek a response from the Leader of the Opposition Andrew Holness about issues regarding the construction of his house.

Phillips then proceeded to list the questions which he believes need to be addressed before March, the month in which Holness had indicated that he would have made public his financial data available.

1. Was the land on which the house is being constructed bought by him for US$300,000 in 2011?

2. How was this purchased and the construction of the house financed recognizing that there was no mortgage registered on the title? Was the land bought by a company registered in St Lucia?

3. Is he now or was he ever a director of that company?

4. Who are, or were, the other directors or shareholders of the company?

5.  Is he still an active director or shareholder of the company?

6. Is he or has he ever been in receipt of a salary, dividend shares, bonus or any other form of consideration as a result of business done with or by this company?

7.  Was the source of funds for the purchase of the land and the cost of building the house included in any integrity report which all public officials are required to submit annually.

8. If the answer is yes, when was this done and is Mr Holness prepared to authorise the integrity commission to release the relevant information.

 “We think it is important to the country that this be made known no later than seven days before the election,” Phillips said.

Moya Hinds