Two more Jamaican lawmakers have been referred for investigation for alleged illicit enrichment, the Integrity Commission disclosed in its 2023-2024 annual report. This brings the total number of law makers under investigation to eight.
Jamaica’s law blocks the anti-corruption agency from speaking on its investigations before a report is tabled.
The Corruption Prevention Act states that illicit enrichment happens where a public servant owns assets disproportionate to his lawful earnings; and upon being requested by the commission or any person duly authorized to investigate an allegation of corruption against him, to provide an explanation as to how he came by such assets, he fails to do so; or gives an explanation which is not considered to be satisfactory, he shall be liable to prosecution for the offence of illicit enrichment.
The law states that it shall be a defense to a person charged with an offence of illicit enrichment to show the court that he came by the assets by lawful means.
In its previous annual report for 2022-2023, the commission disclosed that six parliamentarians and 28 other public officials were referred for investigation for illicit enrichment.
Several politicians have complained about being tainted and called on the commission to speed up its investigation, to clear their name.
The commission’s latest report did not provide any updates on those referred last year. It said four other public officials were also referred for investigations.
The commission said 13 members of the House of Representatives were referred for investigation for illicit enrichment or providing false information over the period April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2024. Two local government councilors, one permanent secretary, five heads of entities and 40 other public officials were also referred for the offences.
The agency said some public officials were referred for alleged breaches over multiple periods for which statutory declaration were due.
