Statement from Prime Minister Andrew Holness
I have just completed my preliminary review of the Integrity Commission
Report. Please note my initial comments:
- The matter covered in the report of the OCG/Integrity Commission
concerning the award of contracts as far back as 2006-2009, over 14-
17 years ago. - The failure of agencies to comply with various procurement rules
cannot be attributed to me in any capacity and we note that the
report does not make such a conclusion. - In my response to the Integrity Commission queries of these dated
matters, I made it absolutely clear that at no time have I ever exercised
influence on any process for the award of contracts. - I strongly disagree with the findings of the Integrity Commission
regarding conflict of interest based on mere association. - It has been the longstanding practice that Members of Parliament are
asked to recommend local contractors to undertake works in their
constituencies as a practical matter. This practice was introduced
during the 1990s and has continued across multiple administrations
since. Furthermore, it is also the practice that Constituency Project
Officers for the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) are
recommended by the Member of Parliament.
It is not unusual that CDF Projects Officers are persons who are already
working in the constituency organization and are associated with the
MP. I am certain that a review of local works and CDF Projects Officers
will find that MP recommendations feature significantly in a vast
number of them and this has never been cited as exercising undue
influence. - The Integrity Commission’s report also ignores the circumstances of an
emergency, where in 2008, 15 years ago the ‘Christmas Work’
programme was late in starting and workers faced a high probability of
not being paid. I was asked to recommend an entity to facilitate
payment of the ‘Christmas Work Programme’ before the close of
business for the Christmas holidays. This was done in good faith. To see
this being targeted and made into something it is not, is gravely
disappointing. - I strongly disagree with some of the findings of the report and have
referred it to my lawyers. I strongly reject any suggestion or insinuation
of wrongdoing and I will do all in my power to ensure that the truth is
known. - I, and the government I lead, remain strongly committed to tackling
corruption in our country. The processes of doing so must, however, be
practical, balanced, and fair to all concerned.
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