PNP: Cuthbert-Flynn must tell public if she is under Integrity Commission investigation

The Opposition People's National Party (PNP) wants Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security and Peace and Member of Parliament for St Andrew West Rural, Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, to indicate whether she is, or has been, under investigation by the Integrity Commission.

The PNP said it moved to raise the question following Cuthbert-Flynn's engagement in a back-and-forth exchange with a user on social media site X, formerly Twitter, regarding public officials and the anti-corruption agency.

In one of the posts, she indicated that a few months ago, personnel from the commission tried to visit the gated community where she lives and, according to her, did not want to disclose any information to security at the gate.

"They were turned back because they tried to visit without prior notification from me, the resident. What kind of crap is that? I was shown the video of their vehicle," Cuthbert-Flynn said.

She also raised concerns about how the commission conducts investigations and the rights of public officials.

She raised questions about fairness, transparency and the potential harm to reputations.

"Illicit enrichment is to rile up all the people who dislike politicians. To stain us. Unfortunately, that stain stays after all is cleared and the hate remains," Cuthbert-Flynn said in another post.

The posts have since been deleted by Cuthbert-Flynn.

The PNP said it found the decision to delete the posts deeply troubling.

The party is asserting that Cuthbert-Flynn owes the public an explanation as to whether she is the subject of an Integrity Commission probe.

"...instead of clarifying this, she chose to delete her posts. The PNP calls on Mrs Cuthbert-Flynn to publicly state in definitive terms whether she is currently under Integrity Commission investigation."

"The Jamaican people, both at home and in the diaspora, deserve honesty and precision from their public officials, particularly one entrusted with national security," it added.

There has been renewed public discussion about public officials and illicit enrichment.

The Integrity Commission recently released its annual report indicating that six Members of Parliament (MPs) are currently under investigation for potential illicit enrichment and/or providing false information, while one member of the Senate is being probed for similar alleged breaches of the Integrity Commission Act.

Setting out a matrix of statutory declarations examinations and outcomes for the period April 1, 2018, to March 31, 2026, the commission reported that 14 MPs were referred for investigation for potential illicit enrichment and/or false information.

However, it reported that over the eight-year period, six of the cases relating to potential illicit enrichment and/or false information were closed after investigation or preliminary enquiry.

The commission also indicated that, in relation to illicit enrichment and/or false information probes, a decision was made in one instance not to impose charges, while in another matter, the IC recommended that charges be imposed on the parliamentarian.

At the same time, over the eight-year period, eight councillors were among public officials who were referred to the Director of Investigations for potential illicit enrichment and/or providing false information to the IC.

However, of this number, one case was closed after investigation or preliminary enquiry, while there were two rulings to impose charges.

Between 2018 and 2026, the IC said eight heads of public entities were under investigation for potential illicit enrichment and/or false information.

However, four of those cases have since been closed after investigation or preliminary enquiry.

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