Holness refuses to state whether FID has said there’s no case for him to answer

Prime Minister Andrew Holness remained tight-lipped on Monday regarding the status of an investigation into his unverified statutory declarations by the Financial Investigations Division (FID).

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I am not aware of the FID’s position, that’s the point I’m making.

The Integrity Commission (IC) had previously referred aspects of the prime minister's financial affairs to both the FID and Tax Administration Jamaica. This referral followed the IC's own lengthy investigation, which concluded without a definitive finding nearly two years after it became public.

During an interview on Nationwide Radio, veteran journalist Cliff Hughes pressed Holness on the matter, citing reports that the FID had concluded there was no case against him and had communicated this to the IC. Hughes also mentioned that Holness's lawyers had written to the IC seeking the FID's position.

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I’m very careful in answering questions, particularly these matters that are before the court.

Holness responded that he was not aware of the FID's position, expressing surprise at the journalist's knowledge. He acknowledged his lawyers' inquiry but emphasized his careful approach to answering questions on matters that could potentially prejudice his case or the ongoing Integrity Commission investigation. He also reiterated his view that while the IC is important, it requires review and changes to enhance its effectiveness.

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I repeat my point that the Integrity Commission is important, it’s a necessary agency of the government but in its current form it is in need of review and it needs certain changes to make it more effective.