As advocates for good governance, we write on behalf of many concerned citizens, taxpayers, and voters in Jamaica to encourage Members of Parliament (MP) to provide some information about the kind of leadership we can expect from them as political representatives.

This is due to our concerns about the latest Integrity Commission (IC) annual report for the period April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. Unfortunately, it revealed that two more lawmakers are under investigation for alleged illicit enrichment. This brings the total number of Parliamentarians referred for such matters to 13 over the last seven years. Further, many Parliamentarians have not signed the IC’s code of conduct.

This is truly troubling and does not instil public confidence and trust in Parliamentarians and our system of governance. The IC, like all ministries and agencies of Government, has institutional flaws that must be addressed. Hence, criticisms of the IC by Parliamentarians that seems to undermine its credibility, especially by those who are being investigated, only furthers my distrust and concern.

In light of this, before we cast our votes in the upcoming general election, we would like each member of the House to publicly answer the following questions:

1) Have you ever been, or are you currently, under investigation for illicit enrichment or for providing false information to the IC?

2) Have you signed the IC’s code of conduct?

3) If you have not, do you intend to sign any document making a clear commitment to me, as a member of the constituency you represent, that you will uphold the internationally accepted principles of ethical behaviour in Government, that is, selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership as the standard of behaviour we expect from our elected representative?

Transparency on these matters is important. For voters who want to make an informed decision to promote good governance, honest answers will influence their decisions at the polls.

Thank you, MPs, for your attention to these important questions.

Adaptation Network is 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. We actively encourage citizen participation in addressing the structural issues of inequality, injustice, discrimination, abuse, violence, corruption, and other social problems that have persisted from our history of slavery/colonisation and contributed to human rights abuses and poor governance in Jamaica.