Golding Accuses Holness of Using Courts to Undermine Integrity Commission

Opposition leader, Mark Golding, has accused Prime Minister Andrew Holness of seeking to use the courts to undermine the country’s anti-corruption framework.

Mr. Golding launched the broadside against Dr. Holness while addressing People’s National Party, PNP, supporters in East Rural St. Andrew on the weekend.

Colliecia Wright has more in this report.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has obtained leave to seek judicial review of a controversial Integrity Commission report into his financial affairs.

Despite finding no wrongdoing on the part of the prime minister, the Integrity Commission has sought the intervention of the Financial Investigative Division, FID, to further probe Holness’ finances.

The prime minister says the entire process has been irregular and amounts to a breach of his rights, prompting him to seek remedy from the courts.

But according to Golding, Holness’ efforts could have more sinister effects on the Integrity Commission.

Golding used his visit to East Rural St. Andrew to shore up the prospects of Patrick Peterkin, who is seeking to unseat the House Speaker Juliet Holness in the general election expected later this year.

Holness is the wife of the prime minister. She’s represented East Rural St. Andrew since February 2016.

Mr. Golding claims the Jamaican people are tired of what he describes as a government that has not proven itself worthy of public trust.

He slammed Holness’ efforts to overturn the Integrity Commission’s report.

The PNP last held East Rural St. Andrew from 2011 to 2016, when Damion Crawford served as member of parliament.