JLP stands with Holness following conflict of interest probe

 

As the controversy continues about the Integrity's Commission's handling of a report from its Director of Investigation regarding conflict of interest allegations against Prime Minister Andrew Holness, officers and supporters of the Jamaica Labour Party gathered this afternoon at the Belmont Road headquarters in solidarity with the party leader.

 

Mr. Holness returned to the Jamaica this afternoon, having attended the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in the Bahamas.

 

The JLP is insisting that the Integrity Commission blundered in tabling the Director of Investigation's report without immediately publishing the ruling of the Director of Corruption Prosecution. This, the party said, has tarnished the Prime Minister's reputation.

 

The Prime Minister, who was greeted at the JLP headquarters by a jubilant crowd, told gatherers that the saga is merely a distraction but his experience as a "seasoned politician" allowed him to carry on his duties despite the allegations that had been swirling.

 

Mr. Holness suggested that as the government continues to achieve its targets, there are those who "have become desperate...corrupted in their minds and in their thoughts, and in their deeds".  Likening their mentality to being "badmind", the Prime Minister said when these individuals "see the glorious international recognition being given to Jamaica, they are not able to stomach it".

 

 

Still, he believes the situation presents an opportunity for an independent review of the Integrity Commission Act to identify "problems" that might exist and make it a better, "more practical" legislation. 

 

Mr. Holness affirmed that the JLP stands stridently against corruption.

 

Dwight Sibblies, caretaker of the Clarendon Northern constituency, told Radio Jamaica News that the Prime Minister and JLP leader has the full support of the party.       

 

"We believe in him and we believe in his leadership," Mr. Sibblies declared. 

 

He said the JLP agrees with Mr. Holness that while oversight bodies like the Integrity Commission are important to any democracy, there must be a balance so that citizens' reputations are not tarnished.