The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has urged Prime Minister Andrew Holness to resign following the release of the Integrity Commission’s investigative report into his financial affairs, describing its revelations as deeply concerning. The report, tabled on Tuesday, spans 171 pages and details findings that the PNP says raise serious questions about the prime minister’s integrity and his suitability to continue in office.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the PNP expressed its alarm at the report’s contents, which it claims indicate that Holness deliberately misled both the country and Parliament. “The report contains a series of troubling findings that call into question the prime minister’s integrity. We are reviewing the full report with our legal team to ensure we understand the full implications. After careful analysis, we will address the Jamaican people more comprehensively,” the PNP said.
Among the PNP’s concerns are statements made by Holness in August 2023, where he claimed no knowledge of any member of his party being investigated for illicit enrichment. According to the PNP, this statement was untrue, as the Integrity Commission had informed Holness on May 5, 2023, that he was under investigation.
“Mr. Holness misled the country when he claimed ignorance of any investigations. Not only was he aware of the investigation, but he also failed to disclose this crucial information to Parliament when he addressed the nation in June. His actions demonstrate a clear attempt to withhold the truth from both the Jamaican people and their representatives,” the PNP asserted.
The PNP also pointed to the recommendation within the report that Holness be referred to the Financial Investigations Division (FID) for further scrutiny over opaque financial transactions linked to his private companies. The FID, a body tasked with investigating financial crimes, could potentially uncover further damaging information about Holness’s financial dealings as its investigation progresses.
Additionally, the report highlights significant tax irregularities involving Holness’s companies, which the Integrity Commission recommended be referred to Tax Administration Jamaica for further examination. The PNP said these findings further diminish the prime minister’s credibility and deepen concerns over his financial conduct.
The Opposition also raised the issue of Holness’s statutory declarations for the years 2021, 2022, and 2023, none of which have been certified by the Integrity Commission. According to the PNP, certification will not occur until financial investigations are concluded, leaving lingering doubts about Holness’s transparency and compliance with the law.
The PNP framed the situation as an unprecedented crisis, saying the country now faces a severe lack of confidence in its leader. “Jamaica is in an extraordinary position, where its own head of government is under active investigation for issues of integrity. This ongoing investigation is a distraction for Mr. Holness, and it is undermining both the office of the prime minister and our democratic institutions,” the PNP’s statement read.
In light of these developments, the PNP called for Holness’s immediate resignation, emphasizing the need for the Office of the Prime Minister to uphold the highest standards of integrity. “The office must be a place of transparency and accountability, not a refuge from scrutiny. Prime Minister Holness must act in the best interest of the country and step down. His continued presence in office, under such suspicion, is a disservice to the Jamaican people and to our democracy,” the party declared.
The PNP’s statement concluded by urging Holness to leave office to preserve the dignity of Jamaica’s political system and restore public trust in the country’s leadership.
