ANYTHING TO DECLARE? – Parliamentarians invited to declare their assets

By Linda Straker

Dame Monica Joseph, Chairperson of the Integrity Commission, has disclosed that letters were recently sent to all Parliamentarians informing them about their requirements to declare their assets in accordance with the legislations which govern the work of the Office of the Integrity Commission.

There are two Acts related to the standard of conduct required of persons in public life. They are the Integrity in Public Life Act (No.24 of 2013) and the Prevention of Corruption Act (No.15 of 2007) as amended by Act (No.19 of 2013).

In accordance with the Integrity in Public Life Act, the Integrity Commission has been established to monitor the functioning by public officials of their public functions and to ensure that they uphold high standards of integrity.

The Act gives effect to the provisions of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption.

In delivering the Throne Speech in October, Governor General, Dame Cecile La Grenade, said that although there are 33 categories of civil servants who are scheduled to declare their assets, the Commission will be taking a phased approach with Parliamentarians as the first.

On Monday Dame Monica, who became the new Chairperson in November, said that letters were sent out to all Parliamentarians. “We will not publicly say the date as yet, but will do so in time,” she said, when asked for the starting date.

The Integrity in Public Life Act provides for the Commission to obtain declarations of the assets, liabilities, income and interest of persons in public life; to receive and investigate complaints of impropriety, corruption and misconduct by public officials; and the prosecution of those persons found guilty of breaching the provisions of the Acts.

The members of the Commission are Justice Dame Monica Joseph, Chairman; and Mrs. Anande Trotman-Joseph, Deputy Chairman.

The other Members are Mr. Robert Robinson, Mr. Bertie Hill, Mrs. Daniella  Williams-Mitchell, Mr. Rupert Agostini and Mrs. Oforiwa Augustine.

According to the law, it is an offence to make a false declaration to the Commission and anyone found guilty of such an offence can be fined as much as EC$200 000 or serve up to five years in jail. Joseph said that the office will be equipped with investigative and compliance officers to assist with the office of the Commission.

All declarations are confidential and should only be used as evidence involving a court matter. Any unauthorised person who publishes confidential information about the declarations commits an offense and can be charged EC$20 000 or 12 months in jail.