Sinclair Calls Golding’s Attempt to Distance PNP from IC Probe Mischievous

Jamaica Labour Party deputy general secretary, Senator Charles Sinclair, is describing as mischievous and untrustworthy a claim by People’s National Party, PNP, president, Mark Golding.

The PNP president has said he conducted checks and is unaware of any parliamentarian from the PNP is under investigation by the Integrity Commission for illicit enrichment.

Mr. Golding made the assertion this week in response to a statement from the commission that eight parliamentarians are under such a probe.

But in a statement today, Senator Sinclair dismissed Golding’s claim as an untrustworthy attempt to score political points.

Senator Charles Sinclair, JLP deputy general secretary.

Additionally, Senator Sinclair says a recent public statement by the Integrity Commission chairman, which is contained in its latest annual report, and concerns the public narrative pertaining to illicit enrichment probes, is instructive.

In that statement, Integrity Commission chairman, retired Justice Seymour Panton, said the police received numerous complaints and allegations of various crimes that, when investigated, are found to be without merit.

According to Justice Panton, so does the Integrity Commission, which “has no control over speculations, rumours or mischief-making in the society”.

The chairman of the commission went on to further state that when a person approaches the commission, the director of information and complaints is compelled to record the complaint and submit it to the appropriate director of the commission for action.

Justice Panton says the commission then lawfully makes a note of the respective probes in its annual report.

Senator Sinclair says the public statement from the Integrity Commission chairman speaks for itself.