Golding confidently distances PNP parliamentarians from the illicit enrichment probe.
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Opposition Leader Mark Golding has confirmed that the IC is not investigating any PNP parliamentarians for alleged illicit enrichment.
In its 2023-24 annual report, presented in Parliament on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, the Integrity Commission (IC) disclosed that two parliamentarians were referred for investigation, bringing the total number of parliamentarians under scrutiny to eight.
In a statement to the media on Wednesday night, July 10, 2024, Golding assured the public that, following consultations with Opposition members of Parliament and senators, they have all affirmed that they are unaware of any such investigation in their name.
He emphasized the PNP’s unwavering commitment to fully cooperating with the IC and supporting its mission to ensure integrity in public life.
Dispute over Illicit Gain.
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People’s National Party (PNP) have clashed following comments made by Opposition Leader Mark Golding. He claimed that lawmakers on his side of the political divide assured him that they were not among the eight parliamentarians under investigation by the Integrity Commission (IC) for illicit enrichment.
The IC’s annual report, tabled in Parliament, revealed that two more parliamentarians have been added to the six already being probed for illicit enrichment.
Deputy General Secretary of the JLP, Charles Sinclair, criticized Golding for stating that no opposition lawmaker is under investigation by the IC for illicit enrichment. Sinclair emphasized that the Commission does not typically inform individuals that they are under probe for illicit enrichment. He accused Golding of misleading the public on this matter for well over a year.
PNP Accuses JLP of Spreading Misinformation Regarding Illicit Enrichment Investigation.
The People’s National Party (PNP) asserts that the Integrity Commission does indeed notify parliamentarians when they are under investigation for illicit enrichment. The party is urging the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to be transparent with the public.
This statement comes in response to JLP Senator Charles Sinclair’s denial that parliamentarians are formally informed when the Commission initiates a probe into the source of their wealth. The PNP has labeled Senator Sinclair’s remarks as misinformation and misdirection.
Nekeisha Burchell, the PNP’s spokesperson for information and public communication, has emphasized that no opposition parliamentarian is aware of being under investigation for illicit enrichment. She also claims that the Integrity Commission has confirmed that any lawmaker under investigation would be informed.
Furthermore, the PNP’s spokesperson on Information is urging the leadership of the Jamaica Labour Party to publicly disclose the status of all government bench parliamentarians, stating that the issue has the potential to disrupt the Government.
The Opposition stresses its ongoing call for all parliamentarians to uphold the highest standards in public life.