Opposition Leader Dr. Peter Phillips has described as a start, today’s operations by various investigative bodies into allegations of corruption involving the education ministry and the Caribbean Maritime University

Raids were carried out today at the homes of former education minister Ruel Reid, and President of the Caribbean Maritime University Fritz Pinnock, and at other locations by members of the major organized crime and anti-corruption agency, the financial investigation division, and the constabulary financial unit of CTOC.

Reid, Pinnock, and others were taken from their homes and questioned by investigators.

In commenting on today’s developments while on a tour in Clarendon, Dr. Phillips said the opposition has long called for action to be taken against persons allegedly involved in corrupt activities.

When asked if the operations were in response to the calls for the opposition earlier this week for an update on the cases, Dr. Phillips disagreed, pointing to the duty of the security forces to investigate.

And, in a statement this afternoon, the People’s National Party said the developments are an important step in Jamaica’s efforts to clean up corruption and create an environment of good governance and probity in public affairs.

The PNP said it is closely monitoring the situation and awaiting further announcements by the financial investigations division and MOCA, as to any charge to be laid, before further comment.

The party also reiterated that there were other investigative reports onPetrojam, NESOL, and CMU, which were long overdue and it still awaits conclusion and action on those investigations.