Kingston, Jamaica – 14 April 2016: The PNP affiliated group of young professionals – the Patriots – has stated in a release that Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ request for additional time to file his annual integrity report should not be allowed.
Rather than a fulsome and timely declaration as is required under the law, the Prime Minister is seeking additional time to file his return without a sound basis.
We would all recall that a commitment was given by the Prime Minister (then leader of the Opposition) in the just concluded campaign to disclose his financial records in light of questions raised about his association with an off-shore company in St. Lucia.
The stated timeline has passed and the reasons being used now for delaying the filing of these reports are unacceptable. We find it troubling that the budget process is being cited as reason for the delay.
Surely, the Prime Minister is capable of attending to the official functioning of his office and “spinning” simultaneously.
Mr. Holness, as Prime Minister, must set the highest standards of accountability and transparency, being himself requiring that from his Ministers.
Are we to expect that other important matters will be neglected because of the entirely predictable difficulty of the Budget process?
In the last two weeks, several members of the British cabinet, including Prime Minister David Cameron himself have rushed to release their tax returns or summaries thereof, in response to widespread perceptions that members of the British political elite are less likely to meet tax payment obligations, culminating in significant political demonstrations in London this month. Similar events have taken place in Iceland, Brazil and other countries.
We find it deeply ironic that in Jamaica events have taken a completely different turn.
In the lead up to the general elections, Mr. Holness promised to release both his financial and health reports for public scrutiny. We, therefore, encourage Prime Minister Holness to follow through on his words and follow the example of his overseas peers and release his integrity report as promised.
####
Contact:
Javette Nixon – 432-5707
Chairman, Patriots