Director of Jamaica's Integrity Commission shot; PM condemns incident

A senior employee of Jamaica's Integrity Commission was shot and injured in the car park of the agency's offices in New Kingston.

The commission’s executive director Greg Christie confirmed to the Jamaica Gleaner that one of its directors had been shot this morning.

According to other reports, a briefcase in his possession was also reportedly taken.

The role of the Integrity Commission, among other things, is to investigate alleged acts of corruption and instances of non-compliance with the Integrity Commission Act among parliamentarians, public officials, and other persons; prosecute acts of corruption and offenses committed under the Act; and enhance standards of ethical conduct for parliamentarians, public officials, and other persons exercising public functions in Jamaica.

In a statement, Prime Minister Andrew Holness described the incident as an "appalling act of violence."

"The Integrity Commission plays a crucial role in upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity within our nation. Any act of violence directed at individuals serving in such critical roles is an affront to the values that our democracy stands for.

'The Government has full confidence in the law enforcement agencies' ability to swiftly investigate this matter and bring those responsible to justice. We urge the public to cooperate with the authorities in their efforts to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation," the Prime Minister stated.

Prime Minister Holness emphasized that "violence has no place in our society," and these incidents should not deter Jamaicans from serving the country with honesty and integrity.

"The Government of Jamaica remains committed to supporting the work of the Integrity Commission and will take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of its staff. We call on all Jamaicans to stand united against violence and to continue working together for a brighter and more prosperous future for our beloved country," the statement read.