Delroy Chuck Defends PM Holness Amid Integrity Commission Scrutiny: “He Doesn’t Need a Dollar from Politics”

 

GRANVILLE, Trelawny

In a vigorous defence of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Justice Minister Delroy Chuck declared on Sunday that both he and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader are financially independent and not reliant on public funds.

Speaking at the Martha Brae Divisional Conference in Trelawny, Chuck emphasized his long-standing personal and professional relationship with Holness, describing the prime minister as a disciplined investor who followed the financial wisdom of former JLP leader Edward Seaga.

“Edward Seaga told us to: ‘Make sure you invest and you can take care of yourself; you don’t want nothing from Government,’” Chuck told the audience.
“Over 30-odd years Andrew Holness, like me, has been investing. I don’t need a dollar from politics — and the same with Andrew Holness.”

IC Report Sparks Renewed Financial Scrutiny

Chuck’s comments come on the heels of a 171-page report from the Integrity Commission (IC), tabled in Parliament, which examined Prime Minister Holness's statutory declarations between 2019 and 2022. The report noted discrepancies, including undeclared bank accounts, and recommended that both Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the Financial Investigations Division (FID) further review the matter.

Notably, the IC did not recommend prosecution, and Holness has since publicly addressed the report, insisting he acted in good faith.

“In that report, the prime minister has explained every single thing. But, they still put it out there for speculation,” Chuck argued.

“I Know Where the Money Came From” — Chuck Defends PM’s Real Estate History

Chuck also revisited prior allegations from 2016, when questions were raised about the source of funding for Holness’s personal home. As a former attorney for Holness’s wife, Juliet Holness, Chuck said he was confident about the family's legitimate financial standing.

“I was the lawyer for his wife, who built several apartments and townhouses and made good money — enough to build two of those houses they built,” he explained.

Chuck insisted that the continuous questioning of Holness’s finances is politically motivated and unfair.

Our Opinion: Transparency Must Be Met with Equal Fairness

While public officials must be held to high standards of accountability, scrutiny must also be fair and free from political weaponization. Prime Minister Holness has addressed the IC report, and without a referral for prosecution, further debate should be grounded in facts, not speculation.

The Jamaican public deserves truth, but also balance — especially when public confidence in institutions is at stake.

Highlights

• Delroy Chuck defends PM Andrew Holness, says neither of them “needs a dollar from politics”

• Chuck credits former PM Edward Seaga for instilling the values of financial independence

• Comes after the Integrity Commission’s report flagged discrepancies in Holness’s declarations

• No prosecution recommended, but further review by TAJ and FID advised

• Chuck also rebuts 2016 allegations, referencing real estate investments by Juliet Holness

As Jamaicans, it is our right to demand integrity and accountability—but also fair reporting and truthful public discourse. Stay informed, seek balance, and hold all leaders to the same standard.

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