The PNP Patriots is calling for Prime Minister Andrew Holness to resign immediately following damning findings from a 177-page report by the Integrity Commission, tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, September 17.

The report exposes a series of alarming discrepancies in Holness’ financial disclosures and casts serious doubts on his commitment to transparency and accountability”, according to the Patriots, which said further that the findings undermine the trust of the Jamaican people and severely damage Jamaica’s international standing.

The Patriots’ demand follows a similar call from the People’s National Party.

Christopher Henry, president of the PNP Patriots, said, “… One day after the United States named Jamaica among the countries with significant drug transit or production issues, we are now forced to confront this national embarrassment. Jamaica cannot afford to have its leadership embroiled in scandal while our international reputation and domestic stability hang in the balance. For the good of our country, Prime Minister Holness must resign immediately to allow for an impartial investigation.”

The concerning issues include: 

• Uncertified Statutory Declarations: Prime Minister Holness’ statutory declarations remain uncertified by the Integrity Commission, raising significant transparency and accountability concerns. 
• Unexplained Wealth: Page 57, table 6 of the Integrity Commission report reveals a staggering and inexplicable increase in Holness’ net worth by $67.3 million, far exceeding what would be expected based on his public salary. This sharp discrepancy raises serious questions about the sources of his wealth.
• Suspicious Financial Transfers: Regular transfers have been noted between accounts linked to Holness, including an account where he was listed as an emergency contact and another where he was the principal. These transactions cast doubt on the accuracy and honesty of his financial disclosures. 
• Overseas Expert’s Inconclusive Report: A six-month investigation by an overseas expert failed to clear the Prime Minister, indicating serious concerns and unresolved issues surrounding his financial affairs. 
• Referral to FID: The Integrity Commission has urged Parliament to refer Holness’ case to the Financial Investigations Division (FID) for an independent investigation. The PNP Patriots support this call and insist on his resignation to facilitate a thorough and impartial review. 
• Public Deception: Prime Minister Holness has misled the public regarding his knowledge of investigations into officials accused of enrichment, further eroding public trust. 
• SSL Borrowing Allegations: Despite Holness’ claims of never borrowing from SSL, reports suggest otherwise, highlighting discrepancies in his financial statements. 
• Positive Media & Shell Company Discrepancies: Holness’ association with Positive Media has raised additional questions, especially after director Mark Azan claimed to be unaware of his role as a director of the company, pointing to potential issues in business transparency. Additionally, the Integrity Commission’s report reveals that Holness’ company, Imperium Holdings Ltd, was established as a holding vehicle for his assets and operates as a shell company, raising additional concerns about business practices and financial transparency. 
• False Statements by Omission: The report indicates that Holness made false statements by omission, violating the IC’s regulations and the ethical standards expected from the nation’s leader. According to the IC report, one of Mr Holness’ companies, Imperium Holdings Ltd, was established as a holding vehicle for Mr Holness’ assets, hence a shell company.
• Delay Challenges and Failure to Provide Personal Expense Schedules: The report states that Andrew Holnesshas been uncooperative and has delayed providing evidence in several instances. During the investigation, Mr. Holness’ legal representatives frequently requested rescheduling of interviews and extensions to submit responses, which caused delays. The Director of Investigation (DI) faced challenges in obtaining complete explanations regarding the source of certain funds and the operations of connected companies. These explanations were critical to assess the legality of Mr. Holness’ financial activities. Additionally, Mr Holness failed to submit a personal expense schedule for the relevant period when requested by the Director of Investigation (DI) by May 31, 2024. This schedule was a key piece of documentation necessary to assess his financial standing comprehensively. This omission added to the growing list of challenges faced by the investigative team.

The PNP Patriots assert that these findings reflect a deep-rooted culture of dishonesty, financial misconduct, and ethical breaches that are incompatible with the office of the Prime Minister. Holness’ continued presence in office erodes the very principles of good governance, and his immediate resignation is necessary to preserve the dignity of Jamaica’s democratic institutions. The Jamaican people deserve leadership that prioritises transparency, integrity, and the rule of law. Prime Minister Holness’ resignation is the only way forward to restore the nation’s trust and global reputation.

“It is time for Jamaicans to unite and demand accountability. Holness must step down to ensure that the country’s highest office is not compromised and to allow for a thorough and independent investigation into these troubling allegations,” the Patriots said.