KINGSTON, Jamaica – The People’s National Party (PNP) affiliated group of young professionals – the Patriots – has stated that Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ request for additional time to file his annual integrity report should not be allowed.

In a press release today, the Patriots said that rather than a timely declaration as is required under the law, the prime minister is seeking additional time to file his return without a sound basis.

“We would all recall that a commitment was given by the prime minister (then leader of the Opposition) in the just-concluded campaign to disclose his financial records in light of questions raised about his association with an off-shore company in St Lucia,” the release said.

According to the release, the stated timeline has passed and the reasons being used for delaying the filing of these reports are “unacceptable”.

“We find it troubling that the budget process is being cited as reason for the delay,” the Patriots said, adding that the prime minister is capable of attending to the official functioning of his office and “spinning” simultaneously.

In the lead up to the February 25 general election, Holness promised to release both his financial and health records for public scrutiny.  

“We, therefore, encourage Prime Minister Holness to follow through on his words and follow the example of his overseas peers and release his integrity report as promised,” the Patriots stated.