The Opposition says Jamaica’s four-point plunge in the most recent Transparency International Corruption Perception Index is of serious concern.

It says Jamaica is now placed in the unenviable position, where it could be seen and treated as a corrupt and lawless nation.

The opposition says this development represents a dereliction of duty on the part of Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his continued failure to carry out his own promise to stand against corruption, as stated when he took the oath of office.

The party believes  the cases  at the Caribbean Maritime University, Petrojam, National Energy Solution Limited, the Firearm Licencing Authority, the Multi-million dollar de-bushing programme, the yet-to-be delivered used cars for the police, the sale at rooms on the beach and  the Montego Bay welcome sign saga among others  have ensured the nation’s downturn in the global corruption perception index.

The PNP is reiterating the call made by Opposition Leader Dr. Peter Phillips, for the anti-corruption agency – the National Integrity Commission to be immediately resourced and that its oversight body as required by law, be established and placed into full operation.

The party is also calling for the outstanding reports into public procurement breaches and acts of blatant corruption to be brought forward and that criminal investigations are properly initiated and concluded where they are required.

The party says Jamaica cannot move forward under this stranglehold of corruption and that all must be done,  to ensure that the cancer of corruption is cauterized for the sake of good governance and a worthwhile future for all.