HOA introduces Code of Conduct legislation
Lawmakers in the House of Assembly (HOA) have taken a step towards enhanced transparency and accountability by introducing a new Code of Conduct.
The new framework was praised for its transformative nature, offering clear guidelines for elected members’ behaviour, boosting public trust, and advancing good governance.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley described the new development as a significant milestone for the House of Assembly. He emphasised that the new parliamentary standards framework moves the HOA closer to the autonomy granted under Section 82 of the Virgin Islands Constitution.
The Parliamentary Commission for Standards Bill establishes a committee that monitors and implements the Code of Conduct for HOA members. This commission addresses grievances from the public and fellow lawmakers concerning code violations.
Dr Wheatley explained that the commission will “promote, encourage, and safeguard the high standards of conduct in public office” expected of HOA members. Members will continue registering their interests under the Register of Interests Act, ensuring they declare any potential conflicts related to their roles.
One key feature of the new system is that it will allow for investigations into complaints against members. Dr Wheatley noted that the commission, made up of an independent panel, will be empowered to “receive any complaint from members of the public” about a legislator’s conduct. If found in violation, the commission can impose fines on members.
House Speaker Corine George-Massicote was vital in drafting and bringing the legislation to the House. She expressed excitement about the new code in her remarks, emphasising that bringing the framework to the table was not an easy journey. “Through this bill, a commission for standards will be established, and its primary purpose is to enforce a code of conduct which will shortly be introduced,” the Speaker said.
The bill includes specific provisions related to the commission’s independence, ensuring it is not subject to any direction or control from other authorities. Dr Wheatley also pointed out that this new framework aligns with other integrity and good governance measures for public officers, ministers, and statutory board members.
As the bill moves through the legislative process, members of the House are expected to adhere strictly to the new standards. These measures are expected to strengthen public confidence in the political system and provide a transparent process for handling concerns regarding the conduct of elected officials.
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DISPLAYS THE WORST CONDUCT IN THE HOUSE
WHICH ONE ❓️ ,if there’s no integrity , how cabyou safeguard it ❓️ having a picture of someone who disrespect everything those soldiers on the wall who fought for our people and the country with integrity is an insult •¿• he ain’t no hero for the BVI / unless we are a part of the hypocrites who in to the cocaine / guns etc . It’s like going yo church to worship the DEVIL
WHICH ONE ❓️ ,if there’s no integrity , how can
you safeguard it ❓️ having a picture of someone who
disrespected
everything those soldiers on the
wall who fought
for our people
and the country
with integrity is
an insult •¿• he
ain’t no hero for
the BVI / unless
we are a part of
the hypocrites
who introduced us
to the cartels abd
joined the cocaine
/ guns etc trade . It’s like going
to church to
worship the DEVIL
THE UNHEALTHY NARCISSISM OF Y’ALL MAKES ME WANNA HOLLER
By Tafari Zharr
First, We should not be electing any politician (veteran or newcomer ) who does not wannabe premier, or don’t wannabe presiding over the house of assembly or affairs opposing or governing. If you wannabe minister you have to wannabe a leader, a lightning rod, and a lot less narcissistic.
Failings of jurisprudence in the architecture of oppositional leadership Is ludicrous- are these ministers doing their own administrative preparations – I mean if you want to reclaim authority by seizing opportunity you can not make simple mistakes; it’s a dereliction of duty – therefore voiding the ability to move- and therefore, Premier’s gotcha was right for him personally- I imagine him thinking “ you can’t call the kettle black”. I get his rejection of no confidence on defect was a chess move; and he puffed out he chest man, Sowande, this One For You, Teo dat Opposition! Clearly he would not resist the temptation to his own instant gratification!
Real talk, At HOA’s highest point of hoarding this is pitiful, this is theatrical politics meeting systemic antagonism between the opposition and the VIP. This is the ununited version of the BVI that showcases the inabilities of political hopefuls to read the soul of its people. Instead what we have is a Rusty reminder of what the world thought of us as people not being capable as some are rooting for you to fail ; and surely the display of failing to slam dunk on the OIC you find it comical where there is no laughable matter – and check yourself before making a fool at the biggest ask on behalf of the people (past and present, and future) of the BVI.
Meanwhile , THE UNHEALTHY NARCISSISM OF Y’ALL MAKES ME WANNA HOLLER!
Why bother? Plenty of laws are on the books and the Politian’s and big family names just ignore them, nothings said
Another commission to go along with the other committees and commissions that don’t do anything but create jobs for cronies to get tax money from. GTFOH with this nonsense.
It’s all a joke. A well known member of the HOA owns a business that has for years collected tax etc from employees and never passed it on to the government. The authorities must be aware of this but nothing is done. Corruption is endemic and they want it that way no matter what.
The UK Code of Conducts laws will take over in a few more weeks.
Having the laws in place is one thing, finding the poor soul to dare to prosecute ( knowing they will become an instant pariah among government circles seen and treated as a Judas ) is an entirely different problem .
OH YOU CAN HOLLER AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE ; YOU AINT NO JUDGE JURY OR ANYTHING THAT CAN DICTATE TO WHAT GOES ON IN THE HOA ANYMORE SO , BE
KIND TO YOURSELF AND TAKE A SEAT