JAMAICA | Golding slams Holness for imposing Gag order on Cabinet Members and Gov't MPs on Integrity Commission matters.

Kingston, Jamaica. August 17, 2023: PNP President Mark Golding has expressed shock and  concern, over the Holness administration’s decision to impose a gag order on Cabinet ministers and government lawmakers, to prevent them from commenting on matters related to the Integrity Commission, (IC) and the identity of the six parliamentarians under investigation for illicit enrichment. 

In a statement this afternoon,  Mr. Golding said “the notion of creating a so-called 'Cabinet Policy' to shield Ministers from speaking the truth and evading accountability is a glaring attempt to obstruct transparency and evade the responsibility of elected officials to the Jamaican people.

“The excuse that this 'policy' is intended to preserve the confidentiality of Cabinet deliberations, disguises its true intent. In reality, it is a political maneuver to shield Parliamentarians from being held accountable for their actions and potential wrongdoings. This is not the kind of leadership and governance that Jamaicans deserve,” the PNP said.

“The very essence of democratic governance hinges on transparency, accountability, and the duty of elected officials to provide explanations to the people they serve. This 'policy' undermines these fundamental principles and erodes the trust between the government and the citizens.

“The PNP views this 'Cabinet Policy' as a dangerous subversion of democratic values. It is an abuse of power at the highest level, and it contradicts the ideals of open and honest governance that the Jamaican people have a right to expect from their elected representatives", said the Opposition Leader.

The PNP stands in stark contrast to this approach. Mr Golding said, “We have taken the responsible step of voluntarily disclosing the status of all our Parliamentarians with regards to the IC's investigations. This goes further to our unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability.”

“Jamaica is watching closely, and it is evident that we are not the same. One side of the aisle will go to great lengths to deceive the Jamaican public while the other seeks to uphold the values that underpin a healthy and functioning democracy. The signing of the Leadership Code of Conduct is another example of this,” Golding lamented. 

“We call upon the government to reconsider their decision, respect the principles of transparency and accountability, and put the interests of the Jamaican people first. Our nation deserves leadership that is open, honest, and dedicated to serving the best interests of all citizens.

“We will continue to champion the cause of justice, fairness, and integrity in our pursuit of a better Jamaica for all,” Golding concluded.

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