A mere three percent of cases investigated by the Integrity Commission (IC) are forwarded to external agencies such as the Financial Investigations Division (FID) and Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) for further review. This was revealed by Kevon Stephenson, the IC’s Director of Investigations, during a recent session with the Parliament’s Integrity Commission Oversight Committee (ICOC).
Stephenson’s comments came in response to inquiries from committee member Julian Robinson, the Member of Parliament for St. Andrew South Eastern. Over the past five years, only slightly more than three percent of the investigation reports have been referred to other authorities, a statistic that has sparked concern among lawmakers regarding the IC’s operational efficiency and accountability.
The Director emphasized the need for the IC to exercise caution when determining which cases to refer, citing the Commission’s mandate and its commitment to maintaining independence in investigating public officials. “While there are other bodies with overlapping responsibilities, we must ensure that we do not compromise our own functions,” Stephenson stated, highlighting the delicate balance required in these referrals.
He further noted that the IC frequently collaborates with authorities like the TAJ and FID, sharing information and engaging in joint investigations. Currently, the IC is involved in several collaborative inquiries with these entities, which he indicated could enhance the depth and effectiveness of investigations.
The topic of referrals gained significant attention in September following the IC’s extensive 200-page report concerning Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s financial activities. The report urged that it be submitted to the FID and TAJ for their scrutiny, underscoring the need for thorough examination of the prime minister’s business dealings. This recommendation has heightened public interest and concern over the integrity of governance and accountability mechanisms in Jamaica.
