Opposition Responds to Govt’s Gag Order on Integrity Commission

“Shocking and deeply concerning” that is according to Opposition Leader Mark Golding. This statement follows the recent revelation of the Andrew Holness-led administration’s decision to impose a gag order on Cabinet Ministers and government lawmakers from commenting on matters related to the integrity commission. On Sunday, Senator Donna Scott-Mottley, the Vice President of the PNP, issued a challenge to the Prime Minister to identify the six politicians who are allegedly involved in suspected illicit enrichment. This challenge comes as gag orders prevent both the Integrity Commission (IC) and Cabinet Ministers from making public statements about the situation.

Several days later, Opposition Leader Mark Golding released a statement on Thursday, indicating that the opposition has taken a responsible step by voluntarily disclosing the status of all their parliamentarians regarding the IC investigation. He emphasized their strong commitment to transparency and accountability. Golding expressed regret that the Government Ministers and the Prime Minister have chosen to hide behind what he considers a fabricated “cabinet policy” veil or a questionable gag order.  Golding further points out that Jamaica is closely observing these developments and highlights the contrasting approaches of the opposition and the government. He suggests that one side seems willing to mislead the Jamaican public while the other side is dedicated to upholding the principles that underlie a healthy and functional democracy. Golding cites the adoption of the Leadership Code of Conduct as another example of this contrasting behavior. However, during Wednesday’s post-cabinet media briefing, Robert Morgan, the Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, asserted that the government will maintain its silence on this matter. Watch the report:

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