Dear Editor,

I read with interest a letter written by Dr Clovis Nelson titled ‘Courageous leadership under fire’, published in the Jamaica Observer on September 23.

The writer states that the prime minister complied legally with the Integrity Commission (IC) and that the IC lacks the legal basis for further investigation. No one disagrees with this, but does Dr Nelson realise that the statutory returns have not been certified despite the closure and that the IC report recommends further probe by the Financial Investigations Division (FID) and tax authority? Does this not mean anything?

The role of any auditor is to probe concerns, which may very well amount to nothing, after which the probe can be certified. Auditors are skilled in finding red flags. It comes with years of experience and practice following guidelines.

When we heard that six Members of Parliament were under investigation for possible illicit enrichment, many assumed that the prime minister might be among them since his statutory declarations were not certified.

While the IC did not find any evidence of illicit enrichment or misuse of public funds, there were other concerns about assets as well as business transactions flowing through three companies which reported zero profits and for which zero taxes were filed.

The question of wealth is not unreasonable, considering the prime minister did not take the massive salary increase last year. Another valid question is: How does a person with the responsibility of running a country and a government with several complex ministries and massive budgets find the time to manage three companies, with 28 bank accounts and multiple transactions valued millions flowing through them? Admittedly, it is unclear if the prime minister’s companies are fully staffed?

Although the IC completed its work, the fact is the prime minister’s returns remain uncertified, which should be a concern to all Jamaicans. And I am sure foreign governments are taking note of the developments. The recommendation for further probe ought to be another concern.

The prime minister’s job involves regular travel overseas and across the country, which is why a certain level of comfort, luxury, and security comes with the position.

Most politicians have side hustles and careers established prior to entering politics, hence the need for full disclosure, and the role of the IC is to ensure that integrity is never compromised.

Why would this be political? The review of statutory declarations is not restricted to the prime minister alone, all Members of Parliament (MPs), including Opposition MPs, and other eligible public officials must comply. It comes with the territory, to safeguard against unethical practices, including corruption and fraud.

There is nothing political about the findings and the same concerns would be raised if the leader of the Opposition’s returns could not be certified.

We must take integrity matters seriously.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com