Letter of the Day | Preserve auditor general’s role on the Integrity Commission

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The church in Jamaica is committed to preserving and strengthening the institutions that are vital to combating corruption in public life. We believe in governance that is accountable, transparent, and grounded in integrity.

It is in this spirit that we express concern about the proposed removal of the auditor general (AG) from the Integrity Commission (IC). The AG’s continued membership is vital to the strength, independence, and credibility of Jamaica’s anti-corruption framework.

We highlight seven key reasons the AG should remain a member of the Integrity Commission:

1. Unquestionable technical expertise: The AG possesses proven auditing skills and knowledge of public financial management, often the first line of detection in corruption cases.

2. Constitutional independence: The AG’s appointment under Section 122(2) of the Jamaican Constitution protects the office from political interference. Its presence on the IC helps safeguard institutional independence.

3. Prevention of oversight fragmentation: Integrating the AG into the IC enables real-time evidence sharing and avoids duplication or jurisdictional conflicts in investigations.

4. Public trust: The AG’s office enjoys wide respect and its presence on the IC enhances credibility and signals non-partisan, professional oversight.

5. Legal mandate synergy: The AG’s audits under the Financial Administration and Audit Act directly support the IC’s work under the Integrity Commission Act.

6. Deterrent effect: A united front between the AG and IC increases pressure on corrupt actors and strengthens enforcement.

7. International best practice: Jamaica’s current model aligns with global recommendations from bodies such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime , and mirrors structures in other democratic nations such as Ireland.

Removing the AG from the IC could create avoidable risks, investigative delays, reduced public trust, and weakened institutional integrity. Concerns about audit roles may be addressed through clearer mandates, not by severing vital connections. Concerns about the cost of engaging private firms to audit the IC pale in comparison to the potential of weakening the anti-corruption infrastructure of our country.

We urge the government and all stakeholders to protect this important arrangement. Preserving the AG’s ex officio role on the Integrity Commission is a necessary step in ensuring Jamaica’s accountability systems remain strong, independent, and effective.

Let us choose the path of good governance.

WATCHMAN CHURCH

LEADERS ALLIANCE