Court allows challenge to Integrity Commission demand for personnel files

The Attorney General and Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Errol C. Greene may pursue their challenge to demands for eight current or former officers’ personnel files. The 4 November ruling concerns an Integrity Commission investigation into Jamaica/Cuba Eye Care Programme contracts.

Justice Wint-Blair found arguable issues about the scope of the demand and personal-information protections. She did not decide that the Commission acted unlawfully. The judgment also refused contempt relief over Greene’s radio interview.

The injunction continues, with a stay covering the disputed files. Other aspects of the investigation may proceed where they do not concern the privacy and information-protection issues. The applicants must preserve the files and produce them if ordered.

The permission is conditional on filing and serving the claim, with the required affidavit evidence, within 14 days of receipt of the leave order. Costs were reserved for determination after written submissions.

This is a decision granting judicial-review leave and interim protection, not a final ruling on the lawfulness of the Commission’s demand. No finding of corruption is reported. Later proceedings have not been reviewed.