The PNP ran on an anti-corruption platform in the GE of 2025. Every single opportunity it got the PM was flogged on his uncertified statutory declarations. In all 3 election debates the PNP rode, “The JLP is corrupt” theme as the basis to elect the PNP.
Then came the UHWI tax evasion scheme disclosure involving 4 companies one of which is run/controlled by a PNP MP, a member of the PAC which was enquiring into the scheme. This was the first opportunity for the PNP to walk the talk. To signal that accountability was first and foremost.
These are the steps the PNP should have/should take:
1. Once it was confirmed that an Opposition MP’s Co. Ltd had been fingered as involved in a tax evasion scheme at UHWI which was unearthed that member’s nomination to the PAC should have been revoked by the leadership of the Opposition.
2. Hold an internal Party Inquiry as to the circumstances in which the company became involved and the extent of the MP’s knowledge and timing of such knowledge. During this process the member should be suspended from the parliamentary caucus and Party leadership activities, if any.
3. On the completion of the internal due process the public should be informed of the decision, consequences (if any) and reasons.
Maybe the PNP has acted and I am not aware. I am happy to be corrected.
Action. Not a bag a mout! Shame on the PNP, at sea with the compass hidden in someone’s desk drawer.
This is why corruption will never become a minority issue. Both political parties operate under the belief that the law does not apply to them or their membership, and then resort to constant finger-pointing to avoid holding themselves accountable.
#UHWIscandal
🔘 Jacden reportedly pays evaded customs duties
Chairman of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Julian Robinson says Jacden has reportedly paid the University Hospital of the West Indies the $10.1 million it evaded in customs duties when it benefitted from the misuse of the hospital's tax-exempt status. @julianjay told @djmillerJA on RJR's #BeyondTheHeadlines that his was reported to him by Jacden's boss Dennis Gordon. Gordon, is also the Member of Parliament for St Andrew East Central and a member of the PAC. His firm is among four that benefitted from the misuse of the hospital's tax exemption to import goods. The breaches resulted in about $20 million in unpaid customs duties.
@HackingGavin Think they’ll rely on the service providers to make that heavily for this one. So if for example your App Store is set to Jamaica, Apple adds the tax to your purchase then remits to the government. Will take time to get providers on board though.
ATTENTION! The U.S. Hurricane Center has just issued their 7 PM update, stating that Beryl is still a Category 4 major hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph down from 155. She is still a dangerous hurricane that can bring catastrophic damage from her winds and rain.
Sigh this is so unfortunate but he’s in genuine need of medical attention that has to be done overseas. Beg a RT please even if you can’t donate.
https://t.co/4LCSipWRgv