KINGSTON, Jamaica – Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says he welcomes the conclusion of a report by the Integrity Commission(IC) even as he expressed “regret” at “any hurt or reputational damage that may have resulted from the prolonged public scrutiny.
Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton (File Photo)“I am, however, pleased that the IC has reported no illegality by any party involved, and I am relieved that the report brings clarity to the facts. Throughout this process, I have remained focused on fulfilling my duties as Minister of Health & Wellness and on advancing the public health agenda in the best interest of the Jamaican people,” he said in a statement.
The report came just over five years after the IC opened an investigation into allegations regarding the development and implementation of a social marketing campaign, during the period January 2016 – December 2020.
The campaign, named Jamaica Moves, is part of the health ministry’s coordinated national response to the increased incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The ministry explained that the campaign was designed to educate, engage, and build supportive environments, with the goal of reducing NCDs by 25 per cent by the year 2025.
In its report, the IC said its director of investigation found that a total of 15 contracts, with a cumulative value of J$78.5 million were awarded to Market Me over the period January 2017 to March 2021.
Fourteen of those contracts, with a cumulative value of J$73.6 million, were awarded by the health and wellness ministry, while the other contract, valued at J$4.9 million, was awarded by the National Family Planning Board by way of the direct contracting procurement methodology.
The matter became controversial after it emerged that Tufton and one of the principals of Market Me had a friendship before he became health minister.
But in its report, the IC found that Tufton had introduced Market Me to the ministry as the company’s proposal for the Jamaica Moves campaign fit with his view on lifestyle and wellness issues.
The Commission said that while its director of investigation saw no evidence that Tufton was directly involved in the award of a contract to Market Me, his “actions could reasonably be considered to have indirectly influenced the engagement of Market Me, which ultimately resulted in that entity being awarded contracts of just under $80,000,000”.
The IC cited Tufton for a conflict of interest and also described as “a serious irregularity” the health ministry’s decision to enter into a contract with the marketing company “on the basis of the receipt of an unsolicited proposal”.
The has recommended that the health and wellness ministry refrains from “the improper use of the direct contracting procurement methodology and ensure that this methodology is utilised only within the parameters of the Public Procurement Act and the attendant regulations, guidelines and circulars”.
Additionally, it recommends that the ministry ensures that at all times it has in place a comprehensive procurement plan which facilitates value for money, prudent financial management, and which allows the ministry to plan more effectively in the procurement of goods, works and services, while adhering to international best practices and applicable laws and procurement guidelines.
“It is further recommended that the ministry ensures the execution of proper procurement planning as a critical and important first step in the procurement cycle to avoid, inter alia, the occurrence of engaging in the ad hoc acquisition of goods and services, as well as eliminating the need to reimburse a contractor for expenditure incurred during contract implementation and between contracts,” the Commission added.
It also recommended, in relation to Tufton, that the matter be referred to the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
But in his statement, Tufton said that “this matter has remained in the public domain for several years and, at times, has cast unfair doubt not only on my own integrity but also on the reputations of others involved, including members of the Ministry and legitimate contractors.
“I regret any hurt or reputational damage that may have resulted from the prolonged public scrutiny,” he said, adding “I am, however, pleased that the IC has reported no illegality by any party involved, and I am relieved that the report brings clarity to the facts.
“The Commission’s findings have helped to clarify the facts and put to rest years of speculation, allowing the public to have a clear and accurate understanding of the matter. I respect the processes now before the Speaker of the House and shall remain committed to serving with integrity, accountability, and an unwavering focus on national development,” Tufton added.
