Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

Prime Minister Bruce Golding on Sunday night warned that more acts of corruption and scandals could soon surface, causing further embarrassment to the former People's National Party (PNP) government.

Golding, who was the guest speaker at a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) divisional conference in West Portland, claimed that more irregularities could be uncovered in the coming days.

"There are new investigations taking place now into further corruption by the PNP," said the JLP leader. "If you have dipped your hands into taxpayers' money, you will be caught; if the money is already lodged to an account, you will be caught."

He added: "You can run, but you cannot hide, and rest assured that anyone who has done so illegally will be exposed."

Peter Bunting, general secretary of the PNP, told The Gleaner Monday he was hearing Golding's claims for the first time and would not comment.

Caught up in speculation

"I am not going to get caught up in speculation to assist his partisan political mission," Bunting said.

In recent months, the PNP has been hard hit by the Cuban light-bulb scandal which led to the arrest of former Junior Energy Minister Kern Spencer. Spencer is currently facing fraud and money-laundering charges.

It was current Energy Minister Clive Mullings who ordered an investigation into the project after which several apparent breaches were discovered.

On Sunday, Golding said whoever was caught should expect no pity or pardon, as he believed public officials should exhibit integrity.

"Just like the man who steals a coconut and is locked up, so it is that those who tamper with the people's money will be charged and sentenced by law according to their crimes," he said.

Last week, PNP President Portia Simpson Miller admitted that 'nepotism' marred the handling of the Cuban light-bulb programme, which was initiated under her party's watch.