WATCH: ‘Dark day for our country’

Opposition Leader Mark Golding is urging Prime Minister Andrew Holness to take a leave of absence following a report from the Integrity Commission indicating that Holness has been referred to the Director of Corruption Prosecution regarding the award of Government contracts to Westcon Construction Limited between 2006 to 2009.

During a press conference on Thursday, Golding described the issue as a “dark day for our country.”

Holness has been referred to the Director of Corruption Prosecution with respect to breaches of the Contractor General Act, the Public Sector Procurement Regulations 2008, the Corruption (Prevention) Act and/or any other applicable law.

READ: Holness cited for possible conflict of interest, breaches of Corruption Act

“This situation with a referral of the Prime Minister for possible prosecution is unprecedented in the history of Jamaica. Never before has our head of Government, the Prime

Minister of the country, been referred to a prosecutorial authority for corruption-related allegations arising out of his conduct in public office,” Golding said.

“This matter undermines Jamaica’s image in the international community and among our key development partners and is a major embarrassment for the Jamaican people,” he continued.

Adding that the Prime Minister is at the head of the stream when it comes to national governance, Golding argued that “the Jamaican people are growing increasingly cynical that there is no accountability among the political class of the country for wrongdoing.”

He said this referral of the Prime Minister for prosecution by the country’s principal anti-corruption institution raises serious questions about integrity, credibility and his fitness to lead the country.

“The Prime Minister cannot remain in office while this possible prosecution for corruption charges is hanging over his head. The Prime Minister’s response so far is to deny any wrongdoing. However, that misses the point. The national institution with responsibility for anti-corruption efforts has extensively investigated that matter. They have issued a detailed report of over a hundred pages and they have referred the Prime Minister for possible prosecution by the Director of Corruption Prosecution,” Golding said.

Golding added that at this time he is not asking for his resignation, only for him to “take away himself on a leave of absence” until the matter has been resolved.

Also implicated in the matter are state agencies, the National Works Agency (NWA) and the Social Development Commission (SDC). The NWA has been accused of contempt.

Additionally, while noting that his statutory declaration has been certified by the Integrity Commission, Golding stated that the Commission could issue a report to Parliament detailing the circumstances surrounding why Holness’ 2021 statutory declaration has not been certified.

On Wednesday evening, Holness hit back at the allegations which he said are “based on mere association.”

“I strongly reject any suggestion or insinuation of wrongdoing and I will do all in my power to ensure that the truth is known,” Holness said.

READ: Holness strongly rejects conflict of interest allegation by Integrity Commission