Speaking before the Integrity Commission regarding his assets and income, Prime Minister Andrew Holness states that he is “in the process” of answering their questions.
He claimed to be “concerned” because his declarations for 2021 and 2022 had not been confirmed.
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“Before the end of this week,” according to Holness, he intends to react to the anti-corruption commission.
At a post-Cabinet news meeting on Wednesday morning, he was questioned about the matter.
The Integrity Commission released the Opposition Leader Mark Golding and his family’s 2022 statement last month. It revealed that they made over $56 million in real estate revenue last year, a significant rise above the $800,000 they made under the same category the year before.
Holness claimed that while he had already replied to the Integrity Commission’s inquiries, the organization subsequently contacted him with more inquiries.
“It does take some time and, particularly for me to get two or three days to go through matters and provide answers. I simply have to be very frugal with my time and I suspect the same for the Integrity Commission that has to go through several thousands of declarations,” he noted.
“But, I would expect they would give some priority to my declaration.”
Noting that the panel frequently questions public servants, Holness stated he is “hopeful that in short order this matter will be resolved”.
The legislation requires all senators, members of parliament, and public servants making at least $3.5 million in gross annual compensation to submit yearly statements of their income, assets, and liabilities.
A summary of the disclosures submitted by the opposition leader and the prime minister must be published in the Jamaica Gazette each year, as required by the Integrity Commission Act.
The fact that the prime minister’s statements are not certified has drawn criticism from the opposition People’s National Party as well as a number of civil society groups and organizations.
