Government, Opposition clash over delayed Integrity Commission report on FLA

The Government and Opposition clashed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday over the failure to table the Integrity Commission’s report on the Firearm Licensing Authority, with Opposition Leader Mark Golding insisting the public should be allowed to see the document.

Golding argued that the purpose of the Integrity Commission Act is weakened when reports sent to Parliament are not presented within a reasonable time. He said the delay affects Jamaica’s democracy and governance, adding that the public has a right to know what the commission found.

Government members rejected any suggestion that the report was being suppressed. The document is being challenged in court by the FLA, and the House Speaker had previously said the tabling was delayed because of that legal action.

Leader of Government Business Floyd Green said the Standing Orders restrict Parliament from dealing with matters that could prejudice a case before the court or one awaiting a judicial decision. He maintained that Parliament must be careful not to interfere with ongoing proceedings.

Golding countered by citing a previous matter involving PNP MP Ian Hayles and a report from the former Office of the Contractor General. He said the court had found that the Speaker of the House and the Senate President would have been acting within their powers if they tabled that report, as parliamentary handling of such matters fell within the legislature’s internal affairs.

As Green began to respond, Golding left the chamber. The Deputy Speaker then ended the discussion while other Opposition members tried to join the debate. Dissatisfied with the handling of the matter, Opposition MPs walked out of the sitting.