News from the OPM

PM Holness Directs Petrojam Board to Seek Legal Advice & Prepare to Recover Funds


PM Holness Directs Petrojam Board to Seek Legal Advice & Prepare to Recover Funds

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has directed the Petrojam Board to seek legal advice and prepare to recover funds that were possibly misused at the oil company.

The directive came as the Prime Minister yesterday (December 10) outlined decisive action arising from the Auditor General (AG) report into Petrojam which was tabled in Parliament last Tuesday, December 4.

Speaking at the press briefing to announce the directives Prime Minister Holness explained that while he is unaware about the details of the investigation being conducted by Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) and the Integrity Commission, he is of the view that they are focused on matters that are criminal in nature.

“Where the Board [of Petrojam] sees that for example, payments were made for work on a contract and by virtue of delays and changes the contract is terminated but full payment was made and work not completed; the board should seek legal advice and prepare to recover such funds through civil means,” said Prime Minister Holness.

In that regard, the Prime Minister underscored that the directive given is a part of the principle of restitution that will ensure that there is accountability.

In the meantime, Prime Minister Holness asked for the public’s understanding as the AG’s report is only one process of accountability as there is still an ongoing investigation into Petrojam.

“Jamaica can only benefit. Our system of governance can only grow stronger if we establish that there has to be a principle of restitution. If public agents cause funds to be used inappropriately, illegally then those who benefitting and those who caused the government to lose must make restitution,” explained Prime Minister Holness.