Calls for Christie’s resignation amid comments on IC director’s shooting
KINGSTON, Jamaica — There have been several calls for executive director of the Integrity Commission, Greg Christie to resign from his post following comments made after the shooting of a fellow director on Thursday.
READ: Gov’t condemns attack on Integrity Commission director
In response to calls for comment on the incident, Christie told members of the media to pose all enquiries to the Government. Those calling for Christie’s resignation including King’s Counsel, Peter Champagnie, the Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal (JAMP) and G2K, the Young Professional Affiliate of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), say the IC executive director’s comments are unacceptable and irresponsible..
Pointing out that they appreciate the work of the IC, JAMP in their statement on Friday said Christie’s comments have “further compromised the confidence of many Jamaicans.”
“The Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal has noted with grave concern, the response of the Integrity Commission’s executive director, Mr Greg Christie, to the media’s request for comments on the deplorable shooting incident of a member of the commission,” JAMP’s statement read. “While we convey our deepest regret and sympathies for the troubling attack on the commission’s director, we believe that the comments of its executive director were highly unacceptable and irresponsible…impartiality, as well as the appearance of impartiality are the gold standard and currency for the very crucial work the commission performs… Mr Christie’s response has further compromised the confidence of many Jamaicans and undermined that element of impartiality that is vital to achieving their objectives.”
JAMP stressed that it would be in the best interest of both Christie and the commission, if the executive director hands in his resignation.
King’s Counsel, Peter Champagnie also called on Christie to resign on Friday. In a Letter to the Editor, Champagnie expressed that while Jamaica has not attained a certain level of political maturity, gatekeepers of national integrity should not be allowed to exhibit any form of bias.
According to the attorney, Christie’s response to the media was “reckless and betrays the very core function of what the Integrity Commission ought to represent.”
“It provides fodder for those who would want to suggest that our Integrity Commission is politically biased,” he continued, saying Christie’s utterance must be “condemned in the strongest possible terms.”
Indicating that Christie’s comments have not only “compromised the credibility of the commission but have also demonstrated a clear bias against the government,” the JLP’s G2K have also joined the calls for Christie’s resignation.
“G2K unequivocally calls for the immediate resignation of Mr Greg Christie from his position as Executive Director of the Integrity Commission. The responsibilities and expectations associated with this role demand a commitment to impartiality, responsibility, and discretion. Mr Christie’s comments have not only compromised the credibility of the commission but have also demonstrated a clear bias against the government, damaging its reputation in the process.”
