Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has denied that there was an attempt by the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to undermine the effectiveness of oversight bodies, such as the Office of the Political Ombudsman and the Integrity Commission.

Dr Holness’ denial came in response to the first question from journalist Dionne Jackson Miller during the final political debate, which featured him and PNP President Mark Golding on Thursday, August 28.

To the contrary, Dr Holness said his administration has taken steps to strengthen these institutions.

“There is absolutely no attempt by my administration or indeed myself to undermine any oversight body. Indeed, we have acted to strengthen and make them far more efficient,” Dr Holness straightforwardly said.

He said that placing the oversight of the Political Ombudsman under the Office of the Electoral Commission was a move to strengthen and give it a greater institutional framework.

“I, myself, have been very complimentary, and acted in a very dignified way as it relates to the Integrity Commission,” he said.

Jackson Miller’s question was: ‘Dr Holness, Government members have recommended taking the Auditor General off the Integrity Commission. They have been changes made by your administration to the Office of Political Ombudsman that have virtually destroyed its effectiveness as a check on the behaviour of politicians, and there have been constant attacks by members of your administration on the Integrity Commission, and on media and civil society groups that criticised your administration. Shouldn’t Jamaicans be concerned about what appears to be a pattern by your administration of undermining oversight bodies in the public sector, civil society and media?’

In rebutting Holness’ response, Golding said there has been a definite pattern of hostility from the Jamaica Labour Party Government towards the institutions mentioned in the question, in particular, the Integrity Commission, largely because it is well-known that there are at least 10 Members of Parliament who are under investigation for illicit enrichment, a serious offence.

“Of which the only one to be known is for whom a report has been completed and sent to the Parliament, which is you, Andrew,” Golding said.

Golding added that with accusations against the Prime Minister, the JLP has done their very best to try to neuter that “critical institution” and brought the Integrity Commission to court to undermine its effectiveness and eliminate it.