Opposition leader Mark Golding names Prime Minister Andrew Holness as one of the Illicit 6

Opposition Leader, Mark Golding, stated that it is evident Prime Minister Andrew Holness is one of the Parliamentarians currently under investigation in connection with the Illicit 6.

The Integrity Commission (IC) reported that six Jamaican parliamentarians are being investigated for illicit enrichment by the country’s anti-corruption watchdog, the Integrity Commission.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness vehemently deny any wrong doing. Stating that he worked hard for everything he has. I wasn’t born with a gold spoon. Even so, I have never depended on the public purse. he said.

These findings were disclosed in the 2022/2023 Annual Report of the Commission, which was submitted to the House of Representatives. The identities of the lawmakers have not been disclosed as the investigation remains ongoing, in accordance with customary practice.

Illicit enrichment involves a significant increase in the assets of a public official that cannot be reasonably explained in relation to their lawful income. The six parliamentarians are alleged to have violated Sections 14 (5) (a) of the Corruption Prevention Act.

Jamaica Labour Party spokesperson, Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, has expressed strong disapproval of the People’s National Party’s (PNP) call for Prime Minister Andrew Holness to resign. Cuthbert-Flynn described the call as “desperate and unwarranted.”

She asserted that, unlike certain individuals within the PNP, the Prime Minister does not conceal his assets in a Trust Fund.

Furthermore, she stated that the stance adopted by the PNP is unfounded and lacks merit.

Cuthbert-Flynn also highlighted past investigations involving the PNP’s Peter Bunting and Mark Golding, suggesting that they should consider stepping down instead.

Holness told Parliament that even the most skeptical onlookers must conclude that the time taken and public resources used to pursue this raise concerns. The laws governing the IC needs urgent revision.