Sep 3, 2009 0
Statement From Kenneth L. Lewis
On Tuesday (September 1), Kenneth L. Lewis resigned as chairman of the Integrity Commission, saying that he took the decision “in order not to compromise the Commission, in any way“, after tax authorities raided (just last week) premises which house a company of which he is a director. Below is a statement from Mr. Lewis which was published in the print media today.
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STATEMENT FROM KENNETH L. LEWIS – FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE INTEGRITY COMMISSION
On Tuesday, August 25, 2009, agents of the tax authorities carried out an operation at 3 Haughton Avenue, Kingston 10, in respect of tax arrears of a secretarial company, SAS Limited, of which I am a Director.
The unwarranted and unfortunate manner in which this operation was carried out and reported in the press could have had an adverse effect on the public’s perception of my chairmanship of the Integrity Commission.
In order not to comprise the Integrity Commission, in any way, I have written to the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, Governor General of Jamaica, tendering my resignation from the Commission with immediate effect.
The public should know that SAS Limited has been in discussion with the tax authorities with regard to outstanding tax liabilities. It should be noted that on Monday, August 24, 2009, SAS Limited made arrangements with the tax authorities for payment of arrears owed by the company. As agreed with the tax authorities, a payment of arrears was made on the morning of Tuesday, August 25, 2009.
In light of this, the operation carried out at 3 Haughton Avenue by the tax authorities on the afternoon of Tuesday, August 25, 2009, was unwarranted, most unfortunate and it could have served to tarnish the reputation of the firm Mair, Russell, Grant-Thornton which also occupies the premises.
The public can rest assured that SAS Limited will continue discussions with the tax authorities to ensure that all outstanding tax liabilities are fully addressed and resolved.