JAMP Urges Lawmakers to Amend Integrity Commission Gag Clause

Lawmakers are again being urged to amend the gag clause in the Integrity Commission (IC) Act. The call is being made by Executive Director of the Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal (JAMP) Jeanette Calder.

 

 The so-called GAG clause, which legally restricts the integrity commission's ability to disclose information about ongoing corruption investigations, is again being talked about after the opposition demanded the West Rural Saint Andrew MP Juliet Cuthbert Flynn to say whether she's under investigation by the Integrity Commission for Illicit Enrichment.

 

During an interview on CVM's lead story, executive director for Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal, Janette Calder says while the gag clause was implemented to publicly protect the reputation of those facing investigations, the provision needs to be revised.

 

 

 

 

 

Calder said, “So JAMP's current position is this, certainly for the vetting of those who are going to be entrusted with executive power and certainly for those who serve in the shadow cabinet because they're anticipating having executive power. We believe the integrity commission ought to advise the prime minister and the leader of the opposition who on their teams are so they can make the kinds of decisions that will protect us rather than run the risk of someone who is under investigation actually turning up guilty and having put them in in a place where we have to trust them with our resources.”

 

This was spawned by a social media post from Cuthbert Flynn alleging that a few months ago, Integrity Commission officials showed up unannounced to her home but was refused access by security personnel.

 

Though the post was later deleted, the minister maintains it doesn't mean she's being investigated by the country's primary anti-corruption body.

 

However, this alleged surprise visit from the IC has also sparked debate on the appropriateness of anti-corruption commission showing up unannounced to the homes of public officials.

 

Calder said, “If I must air, I would prefer to heir in saying those courtesies don't have to be extended in terms of turning up at your office or at your home if we are already in the throws of an investigation. And I would prefer to stand by that until I knew more about why they actually went.”

 

Cuthbert Flynn made it plain she takes a dim view of the Integrity Commission showing up unannounced to her home.

 

She told CVM News, “I don't know of me being investigated. I have never received and if somebody is being investigated, they would have to get a letter from the Integrity Commission.”