Montague claims to be victim of Integrity Commission 'witch hunt'

 

Member of Parliament for St. Mary Western and former National Security Minister Robert Montague has accused the Integrity Commission of targeting him.

 

Mr. Montague was the subject of a probe by the Integrity Commission into the granting of firearm licences between 2012 and 2018.

 

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Montague said at no time was the commission able to point to any wrongdoing on his part in relation to the issuing of licences.

 

The MP argued that his defence of his actions has seen him being the subject of further actions. 

 

"Madam Speaker, they are trying to scare me. They are trying to shut me up and they are hell-bent on destroying me. Madam Speaker, it seems as if there is a witch hunt out on me," he alleged.  

 

"I understand that they are planning, Madam Speaker, to raid my house. I have no problem or objection. Madam Speaker, a person from a media house has asked around in my community, exactly where I live, because they are coming to cover a raid by the Commission at my house. If this planned raid is a fact, is this an abuse or a misuse of power?" Mr. Montague questioned.  

 

The St. Mary Western MP has called for a level playing field in the treatment meted out by the Integrity Commission. 

 

He questioned whether the commission had been influenced by "some unseen or unknown equity or person", whether it acted in the public interest, or if others in a similar position would feel they are being treated fairly. 

 

"Madam Speaker, if you or any reasonable Jamaican answer 'no' to any of these questions, then it is clear that the commission has not acted in the public interest and they should do the decent thing and withdraw the report," he demanded.