Dear Editor,

It was reported recently that the Prime Minister of Belize John Antonio Briceño sent one of his ministers on leave from Cabinet duties pending the outcome of an investigation related to impropriety with a female attorney. The report suggests that the request to go on leave came from the minister himself.

Elsewhere, we have seen former leaders and senior officials arrested and convicted of crimes related to corruption, money laundering, fraud, and other improprieties. This is not unusual in countries governed by a system of integrity that works.

In Jamaica we have not been vigilant enough, the country loses billions of dollars to corruption which could’ve otherwise benefited vital public services, such as health care, education, and social projects, which are poorly funded. Instead, we have gag orders on these matters and people under investigation are not removed from duty and charges are rarely brought to the courts.

The six members under investigation for illicit enrichment by the Integrity Commission (IC) would know who they are. They should have removed themselves.

If Prime Minister Andrew Holness is among the six, he should step aside as well, there should be no exceptions. Parliamentarians are sworn into office with an oath and integrity is at the core.

Some members in the House have previously attacked the IC, questioning its practices, ethics, and even integrity. Defensiveness, fear, and anger usually come from a place of nervousness.

The IC should be allowed to do its job independently, without fear. It is governed by an Act of Parliament and its board of commissioners is comprised of a group of respectable professionals with decades of experience in fields such as the judiciary, auditing, and management.

When we have actions such as the comparatively swift passing of a Bill to extend the age of retirement from 60 to 65, a move which clearly benefits the current DPP who turns 60 in a matter of days, it raises questions. Is it ethical for the country’s chief prosecutor to be allowed to cling to this office for 15 years plus?

Jamaica consistently ranks poorly on the Corruption Performance Index, the fourth lowest in the Caribbean. We must do better. Economic growth means nothing without integrity. If there is nothing to hide, there should be nothing to fear. Integrity is about trust, accountability, and transparency. We cannot prosper as a country without integrity.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com