The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Andrew Holness following the release of the Integrity Commission’s extensive report on his financial affairs. The 171-page report, tabled on Tuesday, has been described by the PNP as revealing disturbing and appalling details that challenge Holness’s integrity and his suitability for office.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the PNP condemned the findings of the report, stating that it contains numerous troubling revelations. “The Integrity Commission’s report details a series of serious issues that cast significant doubt on the prime minister’s honesty and ability to continue serving in his role,” the party said.
The PNP is currently scrutinizing the full report with its legal team and officials to fully grasp the implications of the investigation. “Once we have completed a thorough analysis, we will provide a more detailed response to the Jamaican people,” the PNP noted.
From their preliminary review, the PNP highlighted several critical points, accusing Holness of misleading both the public and Parliament. On August 22, 2023, Holness claimed that he had not received any communication about illicit enrichment from members of his party. However, the PNP asserts that Holness had been informed by the Integrity Commission on May 5, 2023, of an ongoing investigation into his finances.
Furthermore, the PNP criticized Holness for failing to disclose this investigation during his address to Parliament on June 13, 2023. “Mr. Holness deliberately withheld information about the investigation from Parliament and the Jamaican people,” the PNP contended.
The report’s recommendation to refer certain opaque financial transactions involving Holness and his private companies to the Financial Investigations Division (FID) has also raised concerns. “The referral to the FID suggests that this matter is far from resolved and could reveal even more concerning details as the investigation progresses,” the PNP said.
Additionally, the report highlights serious tax irregularities associated with Holness’s companies and suggests these issues be reviewed by the Commissioner General of Tax Administration Jamaica. “These findings only add to the already critical situation facing the prime minister,” the PNP stated.
The party also pointed out that Holness’s statutory declarations for the years 2021, 2022, and 2023 have not been certified by the Integrity Commission. “The failure to certify these declarations raises further doubts about his transparency and financial conduct,” the PNP added.
The PNP described the current situation as an unprecedented crisis of confidence in the prime minister’s leadership. “Jamaica is now faced with an extraordinary scenario where its head of government is entangled in a prolonged and unresolved integrity investigation. This is undermining our democratic system and eroding public trust,” the release stated.
In light of these issues, the PNP has called for Holness to resign immediately. “The Office of the Prime Minister should be a symbol of integrity, not a refuge from scrutiny. Mr. Holness’s continued tenure under such a cloud of suspicion is unacceptable. We urge him to step down to preserve the dignity of Jamaica’s democracy,” the PNP concluded.
“The prime minister must prioritize the nation’s best interests and resign to uphold the integrity of Jamaica’s democratic institutions,” the statement asserted.
