Governor says missed deadline on ROI bill not of great concern
A missed deadline by the House of Assembly (HOA) to pass the new Register of Interests (ROI) Act has not been viewed with great concern by Governor John Rankin.
According to the government’s framework on Commission of Inquiry (COI) reforms agreed to by the United Kingdom, legislators were expected to pass the new ROI Act by June 30.
However, the HOA was recessed and legislators never returned for debate even though they said they would return on that day to continue debate leading to the passage of the legislation.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley later stated that House Members wanted to offer the public a chance to make their input on the bill since it will not just affect legislators alone.
The Premier also said the government is fully committed to making the register public and said there will be no attempts to stop this from happening.
Governor John Rankin, when asked about the missed deadline said the important aspect of the issue is that the government has committed to having a public register and said if that requires more time for a consultation then he fully supports the move.
“I very much welcome the fact that the bill was introduced in the House of Assembly after agreement in Cabinet, but I also recognise that it’s quite a big bill and that the consultation which the Premier and the House of Assembly thinks is necessary is perfectly sensible. So, the fact that as of the stroke of midnight last night the act had not been passed, I don’t think is a matter for great concern,” he said.
He said part of the issue is that the bill that has been tabled in the House of Assembly does more than introduce a public register of interests.
“I think it’s entirely reasonable for the view to be taken and that some further consultation is required on that issue,” governor Rankin said.
With regards to penalties for missed deadlines for implementing reforms under the COI framework, Rankin said what the framework agreement refers to is a delay in meeting an implementation deadline by way of ‘deliberate obstruction’ or without a legitimate excuse.
“I am entirely satisfied that in this case there is no such intention and I fully recognise the approach that has been taken by the government,” Rankin added.
The Governor further stated that he is satisfied that there is goodwill all around to try to move forward on the issue.
Editor’s Note:
The Register of Interests is a record kept of the financial interests of HOA members who are required to make declarations into it annually.
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Governor either you’re inept or just blind to the fact that this Unity Government cannot and will not meet any deadlines. If you are unwilling to do your job, please resign so that the UK can appoint a REAL Governor to do the work that’s needed. Suspend the Constitution and get on with it.
You gotta give them the rope to hang themselves, patience my friend
Rankin is too weak for this job.
The negativity is the problem! The current situation and deadlines regarding the COI recommendations clearly state that the Governor/UK will only get involved if there is evidence that Government is wilfully dragging their feet and/or deliberately not wanting to comply with any recommendation. Clearly the Governor realizes that despite not meeting the deadline with actual legislation, the Government is actively and realistically working toward updating the legislation in line with recommendations. The UK/Governor knows full well that meeting most of the deadlines hard and fast is impossible but deadlines are there so there’s no kicking the can down the road.
soulmates agree with the Governor!
ROI laws should encompass ALL government civil servants and all government contractors especially landlords of government occupied buildings.
Governor John Rankin You are soft you cant be letting this boy get away with things like this because it wont stop there.
Of course its not a problem… as long as the premier continue to be a good boy and do everything his uk masters tell him to do… that was the mission!
What he’s saying is “not a problem” keep up the shenanigans and UK will be incharge of everything. – Sooner the better
Look at the Handshake people of this country open your all eyes.
Governor postponing the inevitable?
Of course it’s a problem. Governor I support you Sir but we need our ministers to declare their interests. This has led to much malpractice and corruption to date. Do not lose the support you have!
where is and when will the farmer’s and fisher’s list of names be made public? come on Governor
Slippery slope. Why make deadlines if they don’t have to meet them? Has a new deadline been set?
BARRY SAY YOU HEAR !!!!!!!!!!!!!