In light of the multi-billion dollar fraud at investment firm Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL), Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness cautioned Jamaicans not to believe rumours, pointing out that a nation’s financial industry depends on reliable information.

In order to provide Jamaica and the surrounding area with economic prospects, Holness gave the advise on Tuesday at the opening of a US$37 million ship repair and maintenance facility that will be built on the Sir Florizel Glasspole Boulevard strip of Kingston Harbour.

The ship repair project is seen as a win in Jamaica’s fight for economic independence, which the prime minister used to frame his remarks. He asserted that Jamaica’s banking industry is still quite robust, despite any unfounded rumours that may be going around.

The probe into what is being called the biggest scam in the history of the island will involve Jamaica’s international partners, including forensic auditors, the Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke announced on Monday. In light of the SSL fraud, which has drawn attention from all over the world due primarily to the inclusion of Jamaican sprinting legend Usain Bolt among the close to 40 victims, Clarke was giving a special policy address at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in downtown Kingston on the regulation of the financial sector.

To expand the nation’s financial sector, Prime Minister Holness advised investors to make wiser choices when looking for reliable information.