JAMAICA | Corruption at Transport Authority? Phillips wants an Audit

KINGSTON, Jamaica, September 28,m 2022 -  Opposition Spokesman on Transport and Works, Mr. Mikael Phillips is calling on the Integrity Commission to launch an immediate investigation into the award or grant of licenses and permits at the Transport Authority. He  wants the Auditor General to audit the management and financial decisions at the Authority over the past year.

In a statement today, Mr. Phillips says he is extremely troubled by reports emanating from the Authority which go to the heart of the conduct of affairs and good order at the country’s transport regulatory body. “This includes alleged corrupt license awards, arbitrary staff transfers, improper hiring policies, connected promotions and illegal payments”, the Opposition Spokesman said.

Mr. Phillips said he had further information that the Board of Directors is soon to convene an emergency meeting amidst growing reports of corruption and increased concern by some members of the Authority’s staff. He said, however, Board decisions will not go far enough to allay the corruption fears and consequently, it is necessary for the two independent watchdogs of the state to intervene.

The Opposition Spokesman said a number of these reports had been swirling for some time, and he had hoped for the intervention of the Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Audley Shaw, MP, to ensure that affairs at the regulatory body were conducted in accordance with the Transport Authority Act and the Public Bodies Management and Accountability Act. However, he said, he feels strongly that the Integrity Commission and the Auditor General must intervene.

Mr. Phillips said their intervention would ensure that the processes and systems at the Authority are fully respected and adhered to. 

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