Court to rule Wednesday on IC's request for information from Barita, FGB

The Supreme Court is to rule on Wednesday whether Barita Investments Limited and First Global Bank (FGB) must comply with an Integrity Commission (IC) request for financial information on 151 current and former public servants. 

Justice Chester Stamp's decision could have serious implications for how the country's main anti-corruption body is able to carry out its investigations.

It also comes amid claims from government lawmakers that it overreaches, a view rejected by the commission. 

FGB and Barita refused to comply with a June 2021 request, pushing the commission to file an application in November that year for the court order. 

Barita and FGB expressed deep concerns about the legality of the request and fears of breaching privacy and confidentiality agreements with their customers under the Banking Services Act.

The commission applied for five orders, two of which relate to Barita Investments, whose parent company is Cornerstone Financial Holdings Limited, and FGB, a member of the GraceKennedy Financial Group.

The other orders being sought relate to declarations on the meaning of sections of the IC law. 

The Integrity Commission's June 28, 2021 letters to FGB and Barita were signed by Craig Beresford, the director of information and complaints.

He told the institutions that he was seeking the information from them as part of his lawful duty to make enquiries to certify or determine the accuracy of information that the officials submitted in their statutory declarations of their income, assets and liabilities. 

The Sunday Gleaner had reported that it obtained the list but has chosen not to publish the names. 

A government member of parliament was the only politician at the national level on the list, which included a mayor and at least three councillors from the ruling Jamaica Labour Party and the Opposition People's National Party.

At least 10 of the officials are senior administrators in various municipal corporations, including Kingston and St Andrew and St James. 

Along with three police sergeants and a deputy superintendent of police, there were also officials from the Jamaica Customs Agency, the Urban Development Corporation, ministries of National Security and Transport and Works, the South East Regional Health Authority and the Office of the Services Commission.

The commission is being represented by Lindsay Law Chambers.

- Jovan Johnson

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.