Political Tensions Flare as Jamaican MP Demands Comprehensive Audit of Integrity Commission
Kingston, Jamaica — In a fervent escalation of political tension, Everald Warmington, the Member of Parliament (MP) for St Catherine South Western, has reiterated his call for an extensive audit of Jamaica’s Integrity Commission (IC). This demand intensifies an ongoing verbal clash between the IC and several government MPs, highlighting growing concerns over governmental accountability and oversight.
Warmington’s insistence on a "full audit" comes amid critical commentary from retired Justice Seymour Panton, chairman of the IC. Last week, Panton rebuffed Warmington’s previous audit demands, emphasizing that the commission has consistently been subjected to annual audits by independent external auditors approved by the finance minister.
Despite these assurances, Warmington remains resolute, arguing that the existing audits, which primarily assess financial transactions and positions, fall short of the comprehensive review he believes necessary. "What I demanded is a full compliance value for money audit of the Integrity Commission to audit and examine its management and administrative control," asserted Warmington, arguing that such an audit should encompass aspects like security controls, IT systems, and human resource practices.
Central to Warmington’s demand is the concept of a "value for money audit," which he describes as focusing on the three Es: economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. Unlike traditional audits that center on financial accuracy and completeness, this type of audit, according to Warmington, examines whether the commission is operating economically, efficiently, and effectively. Warmington insisted, "It looks at operational performance rather than just financial accuracy."
The debate intensified during a recent sitting of the House of Representatives, where Warmington, supported by fellow government MPs, reiterated his call for the audit. He also challenged the suitability of the Auditor General’s Department conducting this audit, citing a conflict of interest due to the Auditor General, Pamela Monroe Ellis, serving as a commissioner on the IC.
Highlighting his determination, Warmington dismissed any perceived dissuasion, insisting that "all the posturing, misinformation, misleading statements or the denigration of members of parliament, and insults by the chairman of the Integrity Commission can never, and will never deter me."
This ongoing contention underscores a critical divergence in perspectives on accountability and transparency within Jamaica’s political and administrative structures. As the debate intensifies, stakeholders and observers alike await further developments to see whether the proposed "value for money audit" will be authorized and how it might impact the perception and operations of the Integrity Commission moving forward.
