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THE EDITOR, Madam:Jamaica stands at a critical point in its continuing effort to restore public confidence in national institutions. At the centre of this effort is the Integrity Commission (IC), which deserves the unwavering support of the Government, the Opposition, civil society, and everyone who believes that honesty and the rule of law must remain the foundation of good governance. Corruption undermines confidence in government, discourages investment, and weakens Jamaica’s reputation internationally. A country cannot achieve its full economic and social potential if citizens lose faith in the institutions responsible for managing public resources and protecting the public interest. The IC was created to help safeguard that public interest by promoting high standards of conduct, monitoring compliance with the law, receiving statutory declarations, and investigating allegations of wrongdoing where necessary. These responsibilities are essential in any mature democracy. They should never be viewed through the narrow lens of political competition or partisan advantage. The commission’s role is not to protect or attack any political party or individual. Its purpose is to ensure that those entrusted with public office are accountable to the people they serve. It is disappointing whenever there are calls, whether direct or indirect, that could undermine public confidence in the commission or weaken its ability to perform its responsibilities independently. Strong oversight institutions should never be feared. On the contrary, they help to strengthen democracy by ensuring that public officials understand that integrity, transparency, and accountability are expected, not optional. No individual, regardless of office or influence, should be regarded as being above the law. The Government has an important responsibility to ensure that the commission receives adequate funding, appropriate legislative support, and the operational independence necessary to fulfil its constitutional mandate effectively. At the same time, people must resist the temptation to judge the commission’s work according to political preference. Accountability cannot be embraced only when it affects political opponents and rejected when it affects allies. The law must apply fairly and consistently to everyone. Supporting the IC is a national obligation. By strengthening this institution, we strengthen democracy, reinforce the rule of law, encourage responsible leadership, and send a clear message that Jamaica is committed to integrity, fairness, and good governance.
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