Barnett urges speedy appointments to vacant IC posts
Published:Thursday | October 16, 2025 | 12:14 AMEdmond Campbell/Senior Staff Reporter
Constitutional expert Dr Lloyd Barnett says the appointments to fill two vacant posts for directors at the Integrity Commission (IC) should be done promptly, owing to the critical importance of their roles to the anti-corruption body.
The respected senior attorney-at-law told The Gleaner that every effort should be made to carry out the appointments as soon as possible.
With some civil society groups already raising concern about the time it is taking King’s House to make the appointments, Barnett suggested that legislators should add their voices to this pivotal issue.
The IC confirmed, little more than a week ago, that it had submitted recommendations to Governor General Sir Patrick Allen for appointments to the director of corruption prosecution (DCP) and executive director posts.
The country’s leading anti-corruption agency has been operating without three of its top leaders for weeks – a development that could significantly undermine its ability to prevent, detect, and prosecute corruption.
Up to late last week, the crucial posts of executive director, DCP, and director of information and complaints, remained vacant. These roles are central to enforcing the Integrity Commission Act (ICA) and ensuring that the agency functions effectively.
A reliable source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed to The Gleaner that nomination for an executive director was submitted in July, while the recommendation for the new DCP was made earlier. This means they were submitted in time for a smooth transition from the acting period to the new appointments.
When King’s House was asked why the appointments to the positions of DCP and executive director had not been confirmed, the Office of the Governor General declined to explain, stating that communication on such matters is confidential.
“His Excellency continues to be guided by legal advice. He remains steadfast in discharging his responsibilities with due regard for the law, the Constitution, and the independence of all institutions concerned,” King’s House said in a statement on October 8.
However, the head of one civil society group is concerned about the inaction, saying the delay raises serious constitutional concerns.
Mickel Jackson, executive director of Jamaicans for Justice, said last week that if the commission made recommendations as far back as July 2025, the passage of some three months prompts questions as to the reason for the governor general not carrying out the appointments and whether the head of state may be acting beyond or contrary to his constitutional and statutory authority.
“The governor general has no discretion to refuse a valid nomination, acting as a ceremonial signatory. Any issue – if one exists, and however reasonable – would require legal recourse, not rejection by way of prolonged delay,” she added.