Entitlement or accountability: The integrity dilemma, according to NIA

The watchdog group National Integrity Action (NIA) has issued a statement relative to the ongoing debate about the Integrity Commission’s (IC) latest public report on perceived impropriety in governance.

The latest IC report cast aspersions at an entity that it linked with Prime Minister Andrew Holness, which the PM has flatly rejected.

The NIA’s take on the matter from its Principal Director, Danielle Archer, is carried in full below, subject to editorial control:

“National Integrity Action (NIA) notes from the Integrity Commission Report that a company, Estatebridge, which is “somewhat connected to the Prime Minister”, (is said to have) developed property at 2 Weycliffe Close, Beverly Hills, Kingston 6, in breach of the KSA(M)C permit it was issued.

“The fact that a son and a known business partner of the prime minister are shareholders in this company raises questions regarding the nature and extent of the involvement of the prime minister in this development, and the extent to which the son and business partner of the prime minister may have benefited from their connection(s).

“NIA recalls the findings of an investigative report by the Office of the Contractor General (the predecessor to the Integrity Commission) that levelled similar allegations at PNP Vice-President Ian Hayles.

“NIA believes that (the notion of) using political connections to obtain a personal benefit or a benefit for a family member or friend undermines good governance. It demonstrates the use of political power for private gain. It depletes public trust, fosters corruption, and creates an uneven playing field.

“When leaders on either side of the political aisle prioritise personal interests over public welfare, it compromises the integrity of their office(s), tarnishes the Government and weakens the democratic process.

“This leads to decisions not being made in the country’s best interest, resulting in inefficiency, favouritism and a lack of accountability.

“It ultimately weakens the foundation of a fair and just society, where everyone should have equal opportunities, and leaders should act in the best interest of all citizens.

“NIA reminds the public that (the notions of) nepotism and cronyism are types of corruption. Obscure relationships between companies and individuals with political influence give rise to nepotism and cronyism, which are still not illegal in Jamaica.

“In 2020, PM Andrew Holness stated that corruption was not a partisan issue, but rather a general social problem nationally, and that his party is addressing it internally.

“NIA strongly suggests that to dispel the allegations of nepotism and cronyism in the handling of Estatebridge and the (possible) breach of the KSAC permit, the honourable prime minister should do as he did in 2016 - publicly disclose his statutory declarations for 2021, 2022 and 2023. This transparency will help the public understand that he has not used his political power for private gain. Doing so will demonstrate his commitment to transparency.

“We also take this opportunity to remind the prime minister of his promise - at the time - to expand the cadre of MPs whose asset declarations are made public.

“National Integrity Action urges the political parties to publicly support legislation that makes nepotism, cronyism, conflict of interest, and bribery criminal offences in one comprehensive act. Such legislation would address this general social problem. Tabling and passing such legislation signals to the public a genuine interest in reducing corruption in Jamaica.

“Leaders of integrity leave a positively powerful legacy. Their actions and words align, giving them unshakeable authority to provide strong governance. Such leaders prioritise institutions above themselves, accept corrections, and strive to do the right thing.

“There is still time to do the right thing,” suggested the NIA.