Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, whose legal team on Friday lost an appeal to block the disclosure of certain files in his battle with the Integrity Commission (IC), later that evening reaffirmed the importance of an independent judiciary. While speaking broadly about his Administration and not directly referencing his legal issues, Holness stressed that he has no quarrel with the application of the law — even at times when it “constrains the actions of the executive”.

On the contrary, he stressed that “a strong and independent legal profession is indispensable to the rule of law”.

“It provides citizens with representation, assists the court in administering justice, scrutinises public authority, and helps ensure that rights are protected and obligations enforced. Jamaica has a constitutional order built deliberately on the separation of powers, and that separation will, from time to time, produce tension between the branches of the State. I say that as I see others smiling. I do not regard such tension as a defect in our democracy. I regard it as evidence that our democracy is working,” the prime minister declared.