Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has indicated that legal advice is being sought on the Integrity Commission’s investigation report, regarding his statutory declarations.

He said the way forward is also to be determined.

Dr. Holness added that in light of credibility concerns about the Integrity Commission, the entity will be reviewed. 

The commission’s report follows investigations into the declarations submitted by Dr. Holness for the period 2019 to 2022, and claims that he owns assets disproportionate to his lawful earnings and that he made false statements in his declarations by way of omission, contrary to law.

Speaking in Parliament today, Dr. Holness rejected the report, and sought to explain that the issue stemmed from an error made by a bank about funds attributed to him and a company he is connected to.

Dr. Holness also expressed concern about the issue being weaponised and used for political expediency. 

He noted that contrary to some opinions he has always complied with the commission’s requests, and that the company he is associated with is compliant with all legal requirements.  

He said unlike persons who have a gold spoon, he came from humble beginnings and worked hard for what he has accomplished. 

Citing the commission’s process of investigation, time and resources spent to probe his statutory declarations, including the hiring of an overseas financial auditor, Dr. Holness said the situation highlights the need to review the law governing the commission.   

The Prime Minister said steps must be taken to ensure that the Integrity Commission is efficient.