Opposition says UHWI is too important for no one to be held accountable for alleged misuse of facility’s tax exemption status

Opposition Leader Mark Golding says the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) is too important for no one to be held accountable for the alleged misuse of the health facility’s tax exemption status.

In a recent report the Auditor General flagged the UHWI for allegedly using its tax exemption status to facilitate the importation of goods on behalf of private companies, contributing to losses of over $20 million.

The UHWI board of management says it has reported specific matters arising from the AG’s report to the relevant authorities, including the Fraud Squad and Jamaica Customs.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry says it has established an institutional review committee, to review gaps in the hospital’s management and operations.

Speaking at a People’s National Party press conference today, President Golding said someone must be held responsible for the alleged misuse.

Meanwhile, Mr. Golding was asked repeatedly by reporters, if a business owned by a PNP member benefited from the alleged misuse of the UHWI’s tax exemption status.

Mr. Golding said he can only speak to what’s detailed in the AG’s report.

Meanwhile, Young Jamaica the youth arm of the governing Jamaica Labour Party has described Mr. Golding’s response as evasive, unacceptable and disgraceful.