Chairman of the Integrity Commission Oversight Committee, Pearnel Charles Junior, gave an impassioned plea that the committee guard against what he calls the potential of prosecution turning into persecution as it relates to the work of the anti-corruption body.

Charles Junior was speaking during the Oversight Committee’s meeting on Thursday.

The call follows at least two high profile legal sparrings between the Commission and Members of Cabinet.

Nora Gaye Banton tells us more.

Prosecution, not persecution!

Chairman of the Integrity Commission Oversight Committee, Pearnel Charles Junior, has called for his fellow parliamentarians to be diligent in their duties as they review reports from the anti-corruption body.

The Chairman of the Integrity Commission, retired Justice Carol Lawrence Beswick, as part of her annual report remarks, warned that a growing wave of lawsuits against the body and its leaders could slow the fight against corruption.

The statement came as Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness and a sitting Cabinet minister press their own court challenges against the Commission.

However, Charles Junior sought to make it clear that his comments were not an attack against the Integrity Commission.

Instead, he says it’s a cautionary statement for all public officials who hold substantial prosecutorial power.

He says it’s attendant on the Oversight Committee to carry out its function.