Based on the facts made available to me, I have seen nothing to suggest that JACDEN has broken any law. Furthermore, Mr Gordon has, as is appropriate, recused himself from the Public Accounts Committee hearings considering this matter.

Nevertheless, this situation with JACDEN has emerged in the public domain within the context of the many serious findings of maladministration at UHWI in the Auditor General’s report. I believe it is essential we consistently demonstrate our Party’s commitment to high standards of probity in public affairs, and due respect for the spirit of the Leadership Code of Conduct that our MPs and Senators have all signed.

I have therefore decided that Mr Gordon should step aside from the Public Accounts Committee and the Shadow Cabinet with immediate effect, pending the completion of ongoing investigations and to allow the Party’s Integrity Commission to look into the matter closely and provide its recommendations. The situation will then be reviewed. 

In coming to this decision, I wish to reiterate that I am not aware of anything which suggests Mr Gordon or JACDEN has breached any law. Furthermore, JACDEN’s dialysis machines are now providing life-saving services to Jamaica’s renal patients at a lower cost than otherwise available in the marketplace.

Nevertheless, it is the nature of public life that we must take a stance demonstrating adherence to rigorous standards of accountability, especially given that Jamaica is suffering from an environment where such standards are sadly lacking.