JLP dismisses threat of PM’s IC court battle to third-term push
Published:Friday | August 1, 2025 | 9:37 AMKimone Francis/Senior Staff Reporter
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness’ court battle with the Integrity Commission (IC) is not expected to have significant impact on the Jamaica Labour Party’s push for a third term, campaign committee chair Dr Christopher Tufton has said.
Tufton, who was speaking during a press conference where the party’s 60-page record of achievements was presented, said Holness has been an effective leader who enjoys the confidence of Jamaicans.
He said the party’s achievements in government are reflective of Holness’ leadership of the Executive.
“The confidence that the Jamaican people have presided in him over two terms, and the performance and certainly the public opinion polls similarly so, suggest to me that they are more concerned about the performance of the Government and how it impacts them in the communities than they are about the IC matter,” said Tufton yesterday at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.
Holness is expected to learn today whether the Supreme Court will grant his request to strike out “scandalous” sections of the affidavit of Craig Beresford, the IC’s director of information and complaints, in his lawsuit against the commission.
In a special report, the commission said it could not certify Holness’ 2021 filings and referred the matter to the Financial Investigations Division.
It followed the release of a controversial 171-page investigation report, in which Director of Investigation Kevon Stephenson said he could not conclude on the question of illicit enrichment. He highlighted unexplained financial discrepancies in Holness’ 2021 income filings, and raised questions about tax compliance and transactions of over $470 million involving connected companies.
Holness brought the matter to court, asking that the IC be compelled to certify his statutory declarations, as well as to strike down sections of the Integrity Commission Act.
Tufton said every Jamaican has the right to engage the court if he or she feels aggrieved in any way. He said this is an entitlement that has been fought for.
“If the prime minister is aggrieved or feels aggrieved, and believes that he has a case to be heard, I think it is his right so to do,” said Tufton.
“Those who are critical of that, I believe, should also bear in mind there may come a time when they may have to defend themselves; and that right is sacrosanct and we should preserve it, respect it, and allow that process to go through,” said Tufton.
Holness and the IC are set to face trial in October over the report concerning his financial affairs. The trial date avoids a legal battle involving the head of government during the campaign for a general election due by September.
The trial will begin on October 13 and last for 10 days, as outlined in the draft orders agreed upon by the parties involved during a hearing.
This lawsuit was filed by Holness and three affiliated companies, who are challenging the report of an IC investigation into concerns that Holness may own assets disproportionate to his lawful income.