The Integrity Commission IC takes orders from no one other than the court!

That was the declaration of Chairman of the IC, Justice Seymour Panton, at yesterday’s meeting of Parliament’s Integrity Commission Oversight Committee.

This in response to last month’s comment by Justice Minister Delroy Chuck that the commission should be mandated to certify the statutory declaration of Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

The IC has been at the centre of discussions since it tabled a report on the Prime Minister’s Financial Affairs in September.

Reacting to recent statements by parliamentarians regarding the IC, Justice Panton urged them to be careful what they say.

Justice Panton condemned members of parliament for their attacks on the IC.

He said one MP went as far as sharing images of members of the commission.

Justice Panton said such behaviour is reprehensible, and called on the government to address the matter.

He added that the commission’s reports are factual and members should not be attacked for doing their jobs.