Campaign finance law already here and we don’t know — Vanterpool
Fourth District Representative Mark Vanterpool has argued that despite claims that the territory is still awaiting legislation on electoral reform and campaign finance, it may already have arrived without legislators even knowing.
“I know we’ve been talking about the campaign finance act and the campaign finance bill, but we have it here already, without even knowing it, without even knowing it,” Vanterpool said in the House of Assembly recently.
Vanterpool was at the time referring to the contents of the new Register of Interests Act which legislators began debating, but later paused in order to have necessary consultations with the public before resuming.
He noted that within that piece of legislation, there is a requirement for persons to register monies given to them by their elections campaign committee and monies spent by their committees with their written permission.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has repeatedly spoken about the need for campaign finance reforms in the territory, noting that it was essential for setting a level playing field for persons who wish to become involved in local politics.
Potentially signing your own death sentence?
In the meantime, Vanterpool also argued that filling out the declaration form itself had far-reaching implications, especially in instances where there were incorrect declarations.
He urged persons that the new legislation applies to to study it intensely and possibly even seek legal advice to ensure that none of the information they put forward is misleading, given the possible repercussions that could be faced.
Persons who fill out forms with the wrong information could possibly be fined upon conviction as much as $10,000 or face a prison term not exceeding two years, according to the provisions of the new Act, Vanterpool said.
“Imprisonment for two years, some of us could innocently fill out this form and ain’t realise we just signed our death sentence,” Vanterpool said.
Vanterpool further related that as per the terms of the declaration form, any direct or indirect material benefit should be registered.
He said this included the provision of free or subsidised accommodation or even the provision of a research assistant, whether those services are provided for free or at a subsidised salary rate.
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Mark, come on! Anyone worthy of being elected, holding a board seat on a statutory board or being a PS should know all what you have said with respect to filling in this form or any other form. The fact that you have to spell this out mean that you agree that there are far too many times people not worth salt are in these positions. The only people that would have a problem with declaring interests etc. are those with things to hide. If you do not want to declare your interest that’s fine, don’t run for politics or seek any other position that requires you to file it. It’s very easy!
Imprisonment for two years, some of us could innocently fill out this form and ain’t realise we just signed our death sentence,” Vanterpool said.
Is he saying he doesnt know what he owns?
Just tell the truth Mark
Though I know that is a new concept.
Seems like it? These new ROI laws will require that all politicians and public servants declare all their private interests while employed by the BVI government. Those politicians and civil servants with interests to hide need to make a decision soon: Be honest and declare all their interests or QUIT public employment!
If you cant fill in a form correctly then leave your government position and let someone with an education take your place.
You have a lot of worries lately. Maybe you should try to clear your conscious before it is too late?
All of a sudden Mark find his voice . Well sah . Where was he for the past three years
Don’t believe them. Like the ROI legislation these guys are afraid about what this will mean for their way of life as “elected officials” after they can’t take money through the back door. Markie ole, just like his hair line, his skills to legislate fading fast (if it was there to begin with that’s another story)