Integrity Commission cautioned about perception of bias with rulings

By Halshane Burke    

 

The Integrity Commission has been cautioned against the perception of bias due to a lack of information on its actions.

 

This follows the commission's handling of the controversy surrounding Jamaica Customs.

 

Opposition member of the Integrity Commission Oversight Committee Julian Robinson on Wednesday questioned the lack of provision on reasons for the Commission's rulings, after its Director of Corruption Prosecution opted not to charge manager of collections at Jamaica Customs Ava Williams, for failing to submit her statutory declarations.

 

The Director of Investigations reported that she failed to do so for the years 2018 and 2019.

 

Mr. Robinson said the ruling appears inconsistent with other decisions made in the past. 

 

"It seems on the surface, without more, inconsistent with other decisions that have been taken to prosecute other persons for similar offences, or I would say, offences that would not even rise to what I've seen here. So my question would be, what would be the reasons in this particular case? And generally, when you make a ruling, one way or another, do you provide those reasons so that we understand the basis of your ruling?" he questioned. 

 

The commission's Director of Corruption Prosecution, Keisha Prince-Kameka, said the circumstances surrounding Ms. Williams' case resulted in a difference in treatment.

 

Mr. Robinson said a summary should be provided to Parliament of the reasons for charges being laid in one case and not another. 

 

"The decision of the Director of Corruption Prosecution should be shared with the Parliament when the reports are tabled, not just the summary to say whether you're charging or not, but the reasons so that people can know why you've made a decision one way or another," he proposed. 

 

Responding to the suggestion, Mrs. Prince-Kameka said "representation has been made and discussions have been had internally with regard to such a policy or the approach of the Commission," adding that the matter is "really is an issue for the chairman".