Integrity Commission exonerates Dr Tufton and Health Ministry

Both Dr. Tufton and the Ministry issued statements acknowledging the report, welcoming its primary finding of "no illegality" and "no malfeasance," while also addressing its criticisms regarding procurement practices that could create the "appearance of contract splintering”.

The matter, which has been under public scrutiny for several years, concerned transactions valued approximately $78.5 million related to the popular health promotion initiative Jamaica Moves. In his personal statement, Dr. Tufton expressed relief that the report had finally brought clarity.

"This matter has remained in the public domain for several years and, at times, has cast unfair doubt not only on my own integrity but also on the reputations of others involved," Dr. Tufton stated. "I am, however, pleased that the IC has reported no illegality by any party involved... The Commission’s findings have helped to clarify the facts and put to rest years of speculation."

Echoing the minister's sentiment, a detailed release from the Ministry of Health noted that the investigation was the "culmination" of the IC's work and affirmed the integrity of its team.

Ministry Addresses Appearance of Contract Splintering

While celebrating the clean bill of health on legality, the Ministry dedicated a significant portion of its response to addressing the IC's concern over actions that could give the "appearance of contract splintering" — a practice where a large contract is broken into smaller ones to avoid scrutiny.

The ministry’s statement acknowledged that a series of reimbursed invoices, all bearing the same date as detailed on page 70 of the IC report, could be perceived as splintering. However, it provided a point-by-point defence, arguing that a "careful analysis" would show a different picture.

According to the ministry, the reimbursements were for goods and services — including water, t-shirts, staging, and food for multiple events over a year — that had already been paid for in advance by the contractor, Market Me Consulting Limited. These items were not part of the company's main supply contract, and the reimbursements were simply to settle these pre-paid, campaign-related expenses.

"The Ministry reiterates that at no time was there any intent to circumvent the procurement process through contract splintering," the release asserted.

It further noted that once the issue was raised internally, management moved immediately to "cease all further advance payment transactions" and regularise the procurement process to prevent a recurrence.

Moving Forward with Strengthened Protocols

Both statements struck a forward-looking tone, emphasizing a commitment to improved transparency. Dr. Tufton pledged to remain "committed to serving with integrity, accountability, and an unwavering focus on national development”. 

The ministry, while affirming that Jamaica Moves remains its "flagship health promotion and prevention strategy," committed to reviewing the IC's recommendations.

"We will seek to enhance our fiduciary management systems to support greater transparency in our procurement processes," the ministry stated, acknowledging the need to "strengthen the procurement processes to mitigate the perceptions as defined in the report."

With the cloud of the investigation lifted, the ministry and its minister have signalled their intent to refocus fully on the public health agenda, albeit with a renewed pledge to tighten administrative controls.