Dionne Rose, Parliamentary Reporter

Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Omar Davies, has ordered an investigation into the leaking of income tax information to the media, detailing the business of Opposition Leader Bruce Golding.

Last week, The Gleaner reported that it had received documents showing income tax liabilities of up to $1 million owed by Mr. Golding's bakery in Old Harbour, St. Catherine. But further checks made by The Gleaner showed that the amount had been paid in full.

On Tuesday, Dr. Davies told the House of Representatives that he had asked for a complete report on the matter. At the same time, Dr. Davies has condemned the act.

"Anybody found guilty of abusing their powers in their access to information, anybody, will be dealt with by the full force of the law," he warned.

Dr. Davies also argued that no member of the Opposition or members of the public could ever claim that his ministry had ever exposed their private affairs.

Davies not involved

Mr. Golding said while he was convinced that Dr. Davies was not involved, he believed that persons who have access to income tax records, and who have their own political preferences, were prepared to do things like these.

He also relayed information that external queries were currently being made on his personal bank accounts. He, however, noted that he would not be deterred.

"Nobody forced us into political service, we made that decision of our own free will. There are certain hazards that the job entail, there are certain risks that you must be prepared to deal with," he said.

But in response, Dr. Davies asked Mr. Golding to submit the information to him and said that he would investigate the matter thoroughly.

"There are some institutions in our country, which we must fight very hard to preserve (its) objectivity, (its) independence from any political inferences," he said.

Mr. Golding also indicated that he had been given strict warnings that he should increase his security. "I am taking it seriously," he told the House during the debate on the motion of no confidence he brought against the Government.

Just last week, the Opposition's deputy treasurer, Daryl Vaz, also reported that he and his family have been receiving death threats since the Trafigura scandal broke over two weeks ago.