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Former Roman Catholic priest Michael Lewis
Former Roman Catholic priest Michael Lewis says the six parliamentarians who are being investigated by the Integrity Commission for illicit enrichment should focus on clearing their names instead of solely worrying about reputational damage.
Mr. Lewis says the parliamentarians should make a public declaration that they are being probed by the anti-corruption body and deal with the outcome of the investigation.
Speaking Sunday on Radio Jamaica's weekly news review programme That's a Rap, Mr. Lewis said personal integrity is lacking in the Jamaican society.
"If somebody were to come forward and say, here now, I am one of the individuals being investigated. I am making it clear that I have not participated in any activity that would compromise my integrity, one, as a human being, two, as a serving public official. But I just want the public to know that yes, I am one of those and I want my name to be cleared eventually, and I will leave the system to run its course. I will leave the lawyers to do what they need to do so that at the end of the day I will be vindicated," Mr. Lewis suggested.
There have been calls from civil society groups, including Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal, National Integrity Action, Advocates Network and Jamaicans for Justice for the six parliamentarians to either be named or reveal themselves.
The parliamentary opposition has said none of its members is under investigation and has called for the government to indicate whether any of its members under probe.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness last week suggested that so far, no member of his government has indicated they are under investigation.