JAMAICA | PM Holness again asked to address his outstanding statutory declarations

KINGSTON, Jamaica. June 09, 2024: The People's National Party Youth Organisation (PNPYO) is urging Prime Minister Andrew Holness to provide clarity on his statutory declaration, which has not been certified by the Integrity Commission for nearly three years.

President of the PNPYO, Senator Gabriela Morris, observed that, “As Jamaicans, we are deeply concerned about the reputational damage this situation may cause for Jamaica on the international stage.

“It undermines confidence in Jamaica’s governance and anti-corruption efforts globally, and the message it sends to citizens about good governance. It is untenable for a Prime Minister to have unresolved integrity issues.”

“Recently, we saw swift action taken in similar cases involving former CEO of the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) Charlton McFarlane and former Member of Parliament Dwayne Vaz," Said Senator Morris.

“Additionally, the case of Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert, former Speaker of the House, serves as another example of timely intervention. We question the delay in the certification of Mr. Holness' assets by the Integrity Commission and whether this issue contributed to the gag order he has imposed on his cabinet and government Members of Parliament regarding the six (6) government parliamentarians under investigation for illicit enrichment by the Integrity Commission," she noted.

“Is this delay a broader issue within the process, and what implications might this have for public trust, transparency, and accountability in governance? Senator Morris questioned.

The Andrew Holness administration has shown a troubling trend of nepotism and cronyism, appointing unqualified or connected individuals to key positions, undermining public institutions' efficiency and effectiveness.

For example, Christopher McPherson, a former advisor to a Cabinet minister, was appointed to head the National Land Agency's estate management division without the required RICS certification, raising concerns about favoritism and procedural integrity.

This has created a toxic work environment, leading to low staff productivity, job insecurity, and whistleblower complaints of dictatorship and victimization, as reported in a recent Gleaner article by Jovan Johnson.

“We want to affirm that no representative with integrity issues should be allowed to serve the people of Jamaica, especially not the Prime Minister, as such a situation would be untenable and incurable,” said senator Morris.

“We call on Prime Minister Holness to come clean to the Jamaican people, whom he is answerable to, and consider stepping aside in the best interest of the parliament and the nation if this continues to be an ongoing issue,” underscores Morris. 

“It is imperative that the government take immediate and decisive action to address these issues and restore public confidence. The integrity and credibility of our leaders are non-negotiable, and we must demand the highest standards of conduct from those who serve us, the PNP Senator declared.

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