STANDS

accountability has remained an abstract term during Holness’ more-than-four-year term.

“I don’t know what it means to the prime minister,” she said.

Calder quoted the prime minister’s response to a question on Monday from The Gleaner on controversy engulfing St Ann’s Bay Mayor Michael Belnavis, including revelations of his role in a private company that captured government land and constructed a building in violation of the law. In the midst of a Sunday Gleaner probe, the building was demolished.

Said Holness: “My job is to brief myself properly, bring the people in who are at the centre of any accusation to get full knowledge, and once I am satisfied that there is something there that requires action, then you would know by my past track record that I do act on these matters.”

However, Calder contended that “I want Mr Holness to unpack for Jamaica what does act mean, because to date, over the four years, I really cannot point to any case of real accountability. I see the process begin. I don’t see it end”.

She argued that the director of investigation has referred to administrative breaches in his report.

“Administrative sanctions can be taken,” he added.

But Holness said at Wednesday’s press conference that any fair assessment of his leadership as prime minister would conclude that he has taken strong action within the law.

“There is an unrealistic narrative that expects the prime minister to act on matters without first being properly informed, without having solid legal ground to act, without the benefit of the investigative and prosecutorial authorities to inform my action,” he said.

Besides Wheatley, then Education Minister Ruel Reid was forced to step down after being enmeshed in fraud allegations involving his wife and daughter as well as Caribbean Maritime University President Fritz Pinnock and JLP Councillor Kim Brown Lawrence.