President of the Senate, Tom Tavares-Finson is asserting that the Integrity Commission lacks legal authority to recommend individuals, like Prime Minister Andrew Holness, for investigation by agencies such as the Financial Investigation Division (FID). His statement responds to an IC report suggesting the FID and Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) review aspects of Holness’ finances.
The IC asked Parliament to endorse its referral of Holness to the FID via a letter. The investigation report, addendum, ruling, and special report were tabled in the House of Representatives yesterday, concluding a two-year probe during which Holness’ statutory declarations remained uncertified. Tavares-Finson stated the IC seeks Parliament’s support for the investigation, which he believes Parliament lacks the power to provide.
“The constitution, laws, and Parliament’s standing orders don’t authorise Parliament to refer or support referring any member to an investigative agency. If such power existed, any parliamentary majority could refer any member to the police or authorities for any reason, which would be absurd,” he argued.
The investigation aims to determine if Holness holds assets disproportionate to his income and made false statutory declarations, via omissions. The four bank accounts in question, totalling nearly $446,000, were in his parents’ and a former worker’s names. Holness claimed he was added to his parents’ accounts and encouraged the worker to open hers but didn’t recall how his name was added.
The FID and TAJ were referred transactions exceeding $150 million, involving companies like Barita Investments and a US$94,000 bond. One of Holness’ sons is tied to a mentioned company.
