Protect Integrity Commission's independence, advocates urge

By Halshane Burke

Attorney at Law Nicole Gordon has questioned the motive of some members of the political directorate in their persistent criticisms of the Integrity Commission.

The Integrity Commission has been chided by several MPs over its handling of investigations into allegations of corrupt practices.

By statute, the Commission has been given responsibility to monitor and report on the ethical conduct of parliamentarians and public officials.

Miss Gordon, speaking Sunday on Radio Jamaica’s Beyond the Headlines, noted that it was alarming when those who expected to be abiding by these ethical standards are the ones complaining about them.

President of the International University of the Caribbean Rev. Dr. Roderick Hewitt, who also spoke on That’s a Rap, asserted that the institutions that provide such ethical oversight should be protected.

A Joint Select Committee of Parliament is examining the Integrity Commission Act with a view to making changes.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called for the Committee to expedite its work.

Dr Hewitt argued that for democracy to function there has to be accountability, particularly in respect of  those who have been given instruments of power to act on behalf of others.