Police are theorizing that robbery was the main motive behind the shooting and wounding of a senior director at the Integrity Commission, on Thursday morning.

Ryan Evans, who is the director of corruption prevention, is being treated at hospital.

Reports are that about 11:00 a.m., the director was exiting his motor car at a parking lot on St. Lucia Avenue in New Kingston, when he was held up by gunmen on a motorcycle.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, Cleon March said a briefcase which was reportedly in the director’s possession at the time of the attack, was stolen.

Meantime, there has been widespread condemnation of the attack on the Integrity Commission’s Director of Corruption Prevention from various segments of the society.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the government is deeply concerned about the incident.

He noted that the Integrity Commission plays a crucial role in upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity within the nation.

Mr Holness said any act of violence directed at individuals serving in such critical roles is an affront to the values that Jamaica’s democracy stands for.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Mark Golding expressed shock at the incident.

He said his thoughts and prayers are with the wounded director while wishing him a swift and complete recovery.

Mr Golding noted the need for additional security for members of the commission.

And, members of the business community have also condemned the attack on the Integrity Commission’s Director of Corruption Prevention.

The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, (JCC) said it is saddened and alarmed by the incident.

The JCC said the Integrity Commission plays a pivotal role in ensuring the ethical conduct of public officials and the protection of Jamaica’s democracy.

It noted that an attack on one of its directors is an attack on the very foundations of the society, while calling upon the government and the security forces to spare no resource in their efforts to swiftly apprehend and bring the perpetrators of the crime, to justice.

Meantime, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, (PSOJ) and the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters’ Association, (JMEA) said any act of violence directed against individuals serving in such crucial capacities, is not only a criminal offence but also a fundamental affront to the values of Jamaica’s democracy.

The groups said they have complete confidence in the ability of law enforcement agencies to thoroughly and swiftly investigate the matter.

They also called on the political directorate to remain unequivocally supportive of the Integrity Commission being mindful of its role in promoting a culture that respects and supports the rule of law.