Church organisations on the Caribbean island of Jamaica expressed public concern that attempts to block the work of a national watchdog is undermining integrity and transparency in the public sphere.
The issue in question relates to the work of the Spectrum Management Authority (SMA). SMA is the national regulator for radio frequency spectrum in Jamaica, which ensures interference-free operating frequencies, granting licenses to new radio stations and mobile providers, collecting regulatory fees from telecommunications companies and enforcement duties against illegal activities.
The Integrity Commission (IC), an independent primary anti-corruption watchdog on the island, has investigated the use of public money in procurement and contract management by the SMA.
However, the SMA has tried to stop the investigation through a court process, alleging that the IC is acting beyond its legal remit, say reports.
Radio Jamaica News reported that the Supreme Court of Jamaica permitted the SMA to pursue a judicial review "while also issuing injunctions that temporarily restrain aspects of the Commission's investigation." The SMA argues that the IC is acting beyond its legal powers, and in violation of the SMA’s constitutional rights. A first hearing is due on Feb. 19, 2026.
Meanwhile, church organisations expressed concern about the actions of the SMA. They see the court suit as an attempt to block the IC watchdog from holding the SMA accountable in the public interest.
Bishop and President Christine Gooden-Benguche for the Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) signed a media release about the issue on Dec. 18, alongside Bishop Roy Notice, coordinating chairman with Rev. Michael McAnuff-Jones, the co-chairman of the Watchman Church Leaders Alliance (WCLA).
The media release was titled “Church leaders call for integrity, transparency and unhindered anti-corruption oversight.”
“At a moment when public trust in institutions is being tested, the Jamaica Council of churches (JCC) and the Watchman Church Leaders Alliance (WCLA) issue a united call for moral courage, transparency, and respect for the lawful work of the Integrity Commission (IC),” said the JCC and WCLA.
“We are deeply concerned by recent legal actions seeking to halt an ongoing IC investigation involving the Spectrum Management Authority (SMA). The right to legal recourse must be respected, and this is part of our orderly arrangement as Jamaican society."
The issue is arguably not isolated with other public officials challenging the IC’s authority — Prime Minister Andrew Holness is in a Supreme Court battle about his financial declarations. State Minister Zavia Mayne is also challenging the IC’s interpretation of the law about his financial declarations.
Precise details of the ongoing probe into the SMA are partially protected by Section 53 of the Integrity Commission Act, restricting the IC from publishing investigation details until a report is tabled in parliament.
However, the probe concerns allegations that the SMA bypassed competitive bidding processes and favored specific vendors for technical equipment and consultancy services, say reports.
The investigation is concerned about whether any SMA officials had personal business interests with companies receiving contracts.
Any efforts that have the effect of obstructing or delaying legitimate anti-corruption oversight raises serious moral and national concerns, according to the JCC and WCLA.
Scripture teaches that authority is a sacred trust, given for the common good and exercised under God’s demand for justice and accountability (Romans 13: 1-7, Proverbs 29: 4), said the church organisations, adding: “A society’s moral strength is revealed not in how power is protected but in how truth is pursued.”
“The Integrity Commission has publicly stated its concern that evidence may be at risk if its investigation is impeded. This matter therefore extends beyond procedural disagreement. It touches the integrity of our governance systems and the confidence of citizens who expect public bodies to be subject to lawful scrutiny.”
Furthermore, the JCC and WCLA warned that when institutions resisted such public oversight, the “fabric of the nation is strained.”
The JCC and WCLA issued a public call for redress actions.
Firstly, for the IC to continue its work with “courage, fairness and fidelity to its legal mandate, in the service of truth and the public interest.”
Secondly, for the SMA and all public bodies to “cooperate fully with lawful investigations, recognizing that transparency strengthens — not diminishes — public confidence.”
Thirdly, for the Judiciary to “weigh carefully the overriding national interest in preserving robust and effective anti-corruption mechanisms.”
At the same time, the church organizations called for the island’s Christian community “and all people of goodwill” to pray for wisdom, integrity and righteousness for those in authority.
“The church stands as a watchman in the nation (Ezekiel 33: 1-9), “warned the JCC and WCLA, “compelled by faith to speak when justice is at risk. We reaffirm our commitment to advocate for governance that reflects God’s standards, so that Jamaica may be a nation where justice flows freely and truth is honoured (Amos 5:24).”
