3 months ago
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The National Integrity Action, NIA, says the allegations made by former PNP Caretaker for Central Kingston, Lawrence Rowe, highlight the need for laws that discourage bribery.
The body says this matter underscores the importance of implementing robust anti-corruption measures to ensure transparency and integrity in our political system.
Mahiri Stewart has that story.
Days after telling Nationwide News that he was still the PNP’s caretaker for Central Kingston, Mr. Rowe was stripped of the position by Opposition Leader, Mark Golding.
He was replaced by former Senior Superintendent of Police, Steve McGregor.
Following his removal from his post, Rowe went on the offensive.
In an exclusive interview on Cliff Hughes Online, Mr. Rowe claimed that he possessed evidence that the PNP leadership offered him a Senate seat, a membership to the board of a housing agency, along with $15 million in resources as part of negotiations to transition him out of the seat.
The NIA, in a statement on Thursday, points out that if these allegations are to be proven true, the alleged offer to Rowe would continue one of the most damaging features of Jamaican politics and governance.
It says the allegations would also put a dent in the public trust of the political system.
The anti-corruption watchdogs pointed to a 2021 regulation that obligates governments to make appointments to public bodies based on competence and not partisan considerations.
According to the NIA, the appointment of persons to the Senate should not have as a primary consideration failure to win or be nominated for a seat in the House.
The NIA is calling on anyone with information regarding the allegations made by Mr. Rowe to share it with the Integrity Commission.
It says the claims underscore the urgent need to strengthen the Commission.
The NIA ended by calling on members of the public to support its call for comprehensive anti-bribery legislation that criminalize such offers.
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