Young Jamaica, the youth arm of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), strongly rejects what it calls “baseless and politically motivated” calls by the PNP Patriots for the removal of Member of Parliament Everald Warmington from the Integrity Commission (IC) Oversight Committee.

The group said the demands are not only unfounded but clearly intended to sow division and undermine the important work being done by the committee.

The People’s National Party’s Patriots on Friday called for Warmington’s booting from the committee following a statement from the Integrity Commission, which refutes the “false and misleading claims” made by Warmington during a recent sitting of the House of Representatives.

Warmington had claimed that the Integrity Commission’s financial audits have not been conducted for years and that no reports have been submitted to Parliament. The Integrity Commission has categorically denied these claims, confirming that its financial affairs have been audited annually for the past six years, with all reports submitted and tabled in Parliament as required by law.

In a statement late Friday, Young Jamaica said that the PNP Patriots have presented no substantive evidence to support its claims against MP Warmington. “His comments regarding an audit at the Integrity Commission reflect concerns shared by many Jamaicans concerning the proper governance and proper assessment of the IC and other such agencies of the State. Raising legitimate questions does not undermine the work of the commission; instead, it encourages transparency and accountability, the very principles the commission was created to uphold,” Young Jamaica said.

Young Jamaica also added: “We also reject the facetious pronouncements by the Integrity Commission in its latest release and we fully support the call of the veteran MP Warmington, for a performance audit of the Integrity Commission to be conducted by the relevant authority of the State, whether the Auditor General or the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service. Therefore, a thorough report on the operations of the IC would be conducted by an independent body reposed with analysing the work of the IC in adherence to the code of law and public regulations.

“Also, the Patriots’ suggestion that MP Warmington’s absence from one meeting disqualifies him from serving is not only petty but a clear attempt to distract from the critical issues facing our country. MP Warmington has consistently demonstrated his commitment to public service, and his decades of experience make him a valuable contributor to the Oversight Committee.

“We call on the PNP Patriots to stop their divisive political antics and instead focus on constructive dialogue and co-operation in the nation’s best interest. The Integrity Commission’s work is vital, and rather than politicizing its processes, we should all work to strengthen it. MP Warmington remains fully capable and committed to serving on the Oversight Committee. Young Jamaica stands by him and rejects any efforts to tarnish his reputation or diminish his contributions to Jamaica’s governance.”