NIA calls for anti-bribery legislation amid allegations by PNP's Rowe

National Integrity Action (NIA) says recent allegations made by Lawrence Rowe, who was removed as People's National Party caretaker for Kingston Central, highlight the need for anti-bribery legislation in Jamaica.

In a media statement on Thursday, NIA also urged anyone with information regarding the allegations to share it with the Integrity Commission.

On Sunday, Rowe made social media posts suggesting that he was forced out amid a breakdown in negotiations involving millions of dollars, a board position at a state housing agency, and a promised Senate position.

The PNP has described Rowe's allegations as "spurious".

However, NIA said the situation underscores the importance of implementing robust anti-corruption measures to ensure transparency and integrity in the country's political system.

"If these statements are factual, the offer to Rowe would continue, instead of reject, one of the most damaging features of Jamaica’s politics and governance," NIA said.

NIA noted that positions of authority in ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and on the boards of public bodies, are often given as rewards for party loyalty or contributions to election campaigns.

It said the 2021 passage of regulations under the Public Bodies Management and Accountability Act now obligates Governments to make appointments to public bodies primarily based on competence and not partisan considerations.

It argued that, similarly, the appointment of persons to the Senate should not have as a primary consideration failure to win or be nominated for a seat in the House, as has often been the case in the past.

"National Integrity Action believes that such allegations affect public trust in the political system. Allegations of bribery and corruption erode this trust, making it imperative to implement and enforce anti-bribery laws. Ensuring appointments are based on merit rather than political loyalty will help restore confidence in public institutions and promote good governance," the NIA said.

In urging persons with information on the Rowe allegations to make reports to the Integrity Commission, NIA said "These claims underscore the urgent need to strengthen the Integrity Commission."

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