Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, whose legal team on Friday lost an appeal to block the disclosure of certain files in his battle with the Integrity Commission (IC), later that evening reaffirmed the importance of an independent judiciary. While speaking broadly about his Administration and not directly referencing his legal issues, Holness stressed that he has no quarrel with the application of the law — even at times when it “constrains the actions of the executive”.

On the contrary, he stressed that “a strong and independent legal profession is indispensable to the rule of law”.

“It provides citizens with representation, assists the court in administering justice, scrutinises public authority, and helps ensure that rights are protected and obligations enforced. Jamaica has a constitutional order built deliberately on the separation of powers, and that separation will, from time to time, produce tension between the branches of the State. I say that as I see others smiling. I do not regard such tension as a defect in our democracy. I regard it as evidence that our democracy is working,” the prime minister declared.

He was speaking to an audience of leaders and other members of the justice system during the 2026 Jamaican Bar Association’s (Jambar) Annual Banquet.

It is essential, the prime minister said, for the judiciary to provide checks and balances.

“When the courts constrain the actions of the executive, they do not obstruct the work of the Government; they discharge the very duty the constitution assigns them. An executive that is never checked is an executive that has forgotten the source of its authority. And let me say that this executive has never forgotten the source of its authority,” added Holness.

He spoke of the importance of a judiciary that is impartial, and displays “principled application of the law” for all Jamaicans, not just some.

“We also expect this for all our citizens who seek access to the courts. That is what secures the confidence of our citizens in our Government and institutions, and this is what keeps us free as we pursue major reforms and investment in security, infrastructure, and the economy,” the prime minister said.

Critics have frowned upon Holness’s decision to take the IC to court. However, his proponents have consistently argued that it is his right — as it is for any other Jamaican — to seek legal redress.

The prime minister was granted leave by the Supreme Court in 2024 to apply for judicial review of the IC’s report on his statutory declarations, challenging processes engaged by the IC and its Director of Investigations Kevon Stephenson.

Holness has maintained that he has not broken the law since the tabling of the report that contained recommendations that the Financial Investigations Division (FID) and Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) examine his financial dealings.

He sought a declaration that the commission acted unfairly and unlawfully in its conduct of an investigation into his statutory declarations, with his lawyers arguing that the issues were of critical importance to the overall fairness of the proceedings. It was revealed, Friday, that their bid was unsuccessful.

Hours after, the prime minister spoke of the importance of a system of justice that is beyond reproach, framing his comments within a national context.

“Confidence in our legal system is essential. Investors and citizens must trust our laws, contracts, and institutions,” he told the audience of legal professionals from bench and bar.

During the banquet, Jamaica’s first female Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn, and former Jambar President Ian Wilkinson, both King’s Counsel, were honoured. Wilkinson is also president of the Jamaica Chess Federation. The prime minister paid tribute to them both.

“They have demonstrated that excellence at the Bar requires much more than technical knowledge. It demands discipline, preparation, courage, integrity, and an abiding respect for institutions,” said Holness.

He also acknowledged a select group of legal stalwarts who were being honoured for individually giving five decades of service to the profession.

“Fifty years of advocacy, 50 years of counsel, 50 years of mentorship — most important — but 50 years of service! You have trained generations, preserved our traditions, and helped shape our institutions we rely on today. Jamaica owes you a debt of gratitude,” Holness said.

Reflecting on her journey from a young child to the peak of her profession as a public servant, Llewellyn was adamant that she would have it no other way.

“I learned from very early that when you have positions in life and you have to serve the people, do not levitate up into the clouds. Stay on the ground, serve the people, they will always know when you are sincere,” she urged young professionals present.

Wilkinson, for his part, emphasised the importance of hard work and mentorship to the craft while urging young professionals to aim for maximising their contributions to the legal arena and country, rather than seeking to line their pockets.