According to a recent survey conducted by Don Anderson’s Market Research Services Limited and commissioned by National Integrity Action, shocking revelations have been brought to light. A significant proportion of Jamaicans hold the belief that politicians and members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force are the most corrupt groups in the country.
These damning survey findings, presented by the CEO of MRSL, Don Anderson, coincide with the release of Transparency International’s annual Corruption Perception Index. Astonishingly, over 90% of the 750 surveyed individuals share the view that corruption infiltrates the ranks of both politicians and law enforcement. In fact, nearly 70% of respondents identified “politicians” as the primary group associated with corruption.
The gravity of the situation becomes even more evident as Don Anderson highlights the pervasive nature of corruption across various sectors of the nation. Notably, the perception of corruption among politicians has shown a worrying increase between the 2021 and 2023 surveys. It is clear that corruption has firmly entrenched itself within the fabric of Jamaican society.
Furthermore, the survey reflects a strong sentiment among respondents that international financial aid to Jamaica should be contingent upon the government’s earnest endeavors to combat corruption within the country.
The implications of this survey are profound and demand urgent attention. The widespread consensus among the surveyed individuals, all 18 years and above, underscores the critical need to address corruption in Jamaica. These alarming findings must serve as a catalyst for decisive action to combat this deeply rooted issue.
PNP Calls on NHT Managing Director to resign.
Opposition Spokesman on Housing, Senator Floyd Morris, has strongly urged the Managing Director of the National Housing Trust, NHT, Martin Miller, to tender his resignation in light of what he characterizes as a scandalous sweetheart deal with Dexim Holdings Limited.
This call comes amidst intense controversy surrounding the NHT’s decision to enter into a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) with Dexim Holdings regarding a failed housing development project.
In September 2022, the NHT initiated legal action against Dexim Holdings Limited for its failure to deliver 200 housing units. At the time of the lawsuit, the NHT had already disbursed $650 million from the total contract sum to Dexim Holdings. The case was settled in court, but the details of the settlement remain confidential under the terms of the nondisclosure agreement.
The NHT has expressed its efforts to have the NDA lifted. Senator Morris has emphasized the necessity for transparency, asserting that the People’s National Party (PNP) demands accountability concerning what he characterizes as a preferential deal between the NHT and Dexim Holdings. Senator Floyd Morris, the Opposition Spokesman on Housing, made these remarks during a Press Conference held on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at the Office of the Opposition Leader.
In the meantime, Opposition Spokesperson on Justice Donna Scott Mottley has contended that the government holds legal grounds to nullify the nondisclosure agreement it entered into with Dexim Holdings Limited. Senator Scott Mottley criticized the government for persisting in the use of NDAs, particularly following public outcry during the Petrojam saga.
It was brought to light in 2019 that the government had entered into an NDA with former Petrojam HR Manager Yolande Ramharrack as part of a $9 million severance package following grave corruption allegations at the state-owned oil refinery.