PM dismisses notion he would have taken on finance portfolio

 

Following speculation that Prime Minister Andrew Holness would have taken over the role of Finance Minister, he made it clear on Wednesday that it would not have been prudent for him to assume the portfolio. 

 

There were concerns that, had Mr. Holness made such a move, it would be a conflict of interest, considering the Integrity Commission has referred its report on his financial affairs to the Financial Investigations Division and Tax Administration Jamaica - both agencies under the Ministry of Finance. 

 

While acknowledging the conflict of interest issue, Mr. Holness noted that, in any event, all ministers are accountable to him as Prime Minister.  

 

Still, he dismissed the notion he would have assumed the finance minister role, saying it would not have made sense for him to take on that additional burden along with the already substantial task of leading the largest portfolio - the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation - which involves driving infrastructural development, jobs, housing and environmental protection.  

 

"[I've] been indicating from more than a year now...that the new shift is to peace, productivity, to create a virtuous cycle for prosperity, that we're going to pivot to growth. Would it make sense that I am going to then take on the Ministry of Finance when the pivot now has to be growth?" he questioned. 

 

He said the appointment of Fayval Williams in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service will help maintain stability, minimise disruption in the function of the government, but at the same time, facilitate that pivot towards a growth oriented economic policy. 

 

The opposition People's National Party had said it would object if the Prime Minister himself took on the finance role.