PNP members under probe

Burchell Whiteman, a member of the Integrity Commission of the People's National Party (PNP), told THE STAR that he has not been formally advised that the party's president, Portia Simpson Miller, has requested an investigation into the claims that five senior party members did not turn over donations collected in the lead up to the February General Election.

In a press release, party leader Portia Simpson Miller tasked the Integrity Commission to investigate the issues raised by the treasurer, Norman Horne, in a report he presented to the party's National Executive Council (NEC) in meetings held on July 23 and 24.

However, Whiteman said that he was not formally advised. "I gathered something has been said. I know there was a news release, but I was not formally advised," Whiteman said.

In his report, Horne said that "members of the party were actively involved in the market for what seemed to be sole benefit of their personal campaigns and collected significant amounts of money from the private sector."

The release said that the terms of reference for the investigation will be completed by September 5. It also stated that the Integrity Commission will be asked to provide a preliminary report by October 3.

According to the release, the Integrity Commission is chaired by Wellesley Blair and comprises Burchell Whiteman, Fred Hamaty, Daisy Coke and Cedric McCulloch. It was established in 2010.