KINGSTON, Jamaica – The main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is demanding the immediate resignation of Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck for advising his parliamentary colleagues not to comply with a critical provision in the Integrity Commission Act that requires them to furnish information about their spouses’ earnings to the anti-corruption body.
Donna Scott MottleyThe PNP’s spokesperson on Justice Donna Scott-Mottley describes the remarks as reckless and egregious.
“The Minister of Justice has demonstrated both a shocking ignorance of the law and a brazen willingness to encourage others to break it,” said Scott-Mottley.
“Such disgraceful conduct from the chief steward of our justice system, who is also a King’s Counsel, is a direct attack on the rule of law and the very principles of accountability and transparency that underpin our democracy.”
According to Scott-Mottley, Chuck’s statements not only undermine the independence of the Integrity Commission but also embolden lawlessness at the highest levels of government, signalling to the Jamaican people that laws are malleable tools to be manipulated for political expediency, or that those who make laws are above the law.
“Further, the seeming justification of his statements based on the reluctance of spouses is indicative of a greater lack of understanding of the law by the Minister,” Scott-Mottley said.
Based on this, Mottley said the opposition is calling for Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness to immediately demand Chuck’s resignation.
“Any failure to act will be seen as a tacit endorsement of this lawless behaviour and an admission that the administration prioritizes political survival over the rule of law.
“Our democracy, our institutions, and our people deserve leaders who will uphold the law, not trample on it for their own convenience,” Mottley stated.
