The Advocates Network is calling for the Government to rethink its approach to governance amid delays to tabling Auditor General and Integrity Commission (IC) reports in Parliament as well as increased criticism of the anti-corruption agency.

“It appears that the focus by our politicians is on self-aggrandizement and the rewarding of themselves, their friends, and families and NOT on the business of sustainable development that can benefit the
Jamaican people. The time has come for the government of Jamaica (GOJ) to rethink its approach to governance,” the Advocates Network wrote.

Last week Tuesday, House Speaker Marisa Dalrymple Philibert told the sitting that she would wait two months before tabling two reports containing audits of public bodies by the Auditor General. When pressed by the Opposition to table the reports, Philibert said she needed to seek the advice of the attorney general before tabling the report.

“Our political leaders must be reminded that they represent us, the people of Jamaica. We want them to be looking out for our best interests, not the interests of the few who we have elected to act on our behalf and in our collective interest.

“We wish to make it clear that the Integrity Commission and the Auditor General are there to protect our
interests, and we do not support the efforts of the [Government of Jamaica] to discredit or undermine either of these institutions,” said the advocate network said in a release.

The Government and the Integrity Commission have been at odds since the tabling of a report that recommended that Prime Minister Andrew Holness be investigated for a possible conflict of interest. It was later revealed that the Jamaica’s director of corruption prosecution had ruled months ago that there was no evidence to convict the prime minister. The resulted in claims from Government legislators that the credibility of the IC is questionable and harmful to the sovereignty of governance.

Additionally, six parliamentarians have been referred for investigation by the IC for suspected breaches of the Integrity Act.

The advocacy group also mentioned the recent 200 per cent salary increase awarded to members of the political directorate, stating the lack of effort to address the issue despite public outcry is a cause for concern.

“Corruption, crime, cronyism, and arrogance by political leaders have led us to the point where many Jamaicans now distrust politicians and feel despair about the current state of our country,” the group of advocates said.