CIVIL society group Advocates Network has expressed outrage at what it says is an integrity crisis Jamaica faces today, and has called for an end to pot shots at Integrity Commission (IC).

According to the group — which describes itself as a non-partisan alliance of individuals and organisations advocating for human rights and good governance to improve the socio-economic conditions of the people of Jamaica and transform lives — the revelations from the IC report tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 and the response from legislators in the IC Oversight Committee in Parliament this week herald a troubling development in the governance and moral leadership landscape of our beloved country.

“The 177-page report raised several troubling issues, including issues of tax compliance, conflicts of interest, illicit enrichment, misrepresentation, abuse of authority, insider trading, and more,” said the group.

“In light of this, the declaration by MP [Member of Parliament] Delroy Chuck that ‘the IC should be mandated to certify the prime minister’s declaration’ is simply outrageous and is unprecedented. The suggestion by MP Pearnel Charles Jr that the prime minister explore the ‘issue of Mandamus’ to compel the IC to certify his declaration following the ruling is a mockery of the rule of law,” added the group.

It pointed to the statement in Parliament last week by Prime Minister Andrew Holness in which he said: “I have never depended on the public purse. Indeed, I gave up the [214 per cent] salary increase due to the prime minister in solidarity with all the people whose income levels is challenging.”

It argued that in May 2023 when Jamaica was faced with another governance and moral leadership crisis, Holness stated that politicians have a higher moral duty to act in concert and solidarity with those who are suffering, and that given the stage of the development of our democracy these feelings should not be ignored.

The Advocates Network further pointed to a Nationwide News Network /Bluedot Poll released this week which said 51 per cent of Jamaicans believe Holness is leading an extremely corrupt Government.

The group argued that this was the latest evidence of the distrust of Jamaica’s political leadership.

“Moral leadership and compliance to the rule of law are now essential to restore trust and confidence in the Office of the Prime Minister. The Advocates Network urges well-thinking Jamaicans to join us and others in demanding that our political leaders listen to the Jamaican people and support the Financial Investigations Division’s investigation so that the IC can certify the PM’s assets, to enable compliance with the law,” said the group.

It also called for Tax Administration Jamaica to assess the tax compliance of the companies in the IC report linked to Holness which filed nil income tax returns, and for the Ethics Committee of Parliament to carefully examine the conflict of interest and abuse of authority issues raised in the IC report.

“We note with serious concern the purchase of shares and other equities in public and private companies where Parliament has regulatory and policymaking power,” said the group, which called on Holness to assure the country that any change to the Integrity Commission Act will not weaken, but rather strengthen it.

Advocates Network also called on the prime minister, and all parliamentarians, to take the moral high ground and immediately sign the IC Code of Conduct to demonstrate their commitment to the highest standard of integrity, governance and accountability.

“Leaders from all levels of the Jamaican society [should] condemn the threats of intimidation and accusations being levelled at the officials who serve at the Integrity Commission. It is unacceptable, particularly when the sources are our very own elected representatives in the House.

“These developments reinforce our call for constitutional changes to curb Cabinet/prime ministerial dominance of Parliament. Without these recommendations being actioned and credible constitutional reform, Jamaicans will continue the historical distrust of the political class and the deep belief that some politicians are only looking out for themselves,” said the group.

In the meantime, Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC), in a release on Wednesday, called for a lowering of the political temperature surrounding IC’s report into the financial affairs of Holness.

“In view of the inconclusive nature of the report it is advisable that partisan political interpretations and applications of the report are avoided until clarity is achieved. To this end, it is important that the process recommended by the IC be allowed to run its course,” said the JCC.

The church group said it, “affirms the value of respectful, honest and robust national conversation that seeks to promote the nation’s well-being, and encourages the principles of integrity, accountability, and transparency by those who hold public office”.

The JCC further argued that this is not the time to contemplate changes to the Integrity Commission Act, due to pressure from the Government, the Opposition, and/or partisan public outcry.

“We assert the importance of the IC as an important instrument of national development and its role in enhancing the perception, credibility, and reputation of the country within the international community. Therefore, the JCC encourages the nation to patiently await the completion of the current process,” said the church group.