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Who will check integrity of Integrity Commissioners?

Government legislator, Shereen Flax Charles.

Territorial At-large Representative and Junior Minister for Trade, Shereen Flax-Charles, has questioned whether the necessary safeguards may be in place for the Integrity Commission.

Speaking during a recent sitting of the House of Assembly, the first-term legislator said even though she was in support of the bill, she questioned who will be responsible for policing the Commission.

She reasoned that even though persons such as judges and clergymen might be deemed as persons with integrity, it is often reported in the news that “priests are being arrested left right and centre, [while] judges as well are being taken off of the bench”.

According to Flax-Charles, whoever is chosen for the Commission should go through the same type of scrutiny that will likely be placed on public officers, district representatives, or politicians.

“How do we ensure that [the Commissioners] are not corrupt or even more corrupt?” Flax-Charles asked.

She argued that these are the persons are expected to take complaints from the public, therefore it was important for legislators to ensure that their integrity is intact.

What is the Integrity Commission?

The Integrity Commission is a body that is expected to be formed once the recently passed Integrity in Public Life Act becomes law.

The chairperson of the five-member Commission is expected to be a retired judge or someone who has practised law in the Virgin Islands for at least fifteen years.

Other members of the body are expected to be selected by the governor, the Premier, the Opposition Leader and the Christian Council.

The government said the Commission would assist in achieving its objectives to promote good governance, enhance ethical conduct of public officials, and strengthen the prevention and detection of corrupt acts by persons in public life.

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9 Comments

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  1. Commission Powers? says:

    Will the commission have the power to enforce a judge’s orders regarding the payment of legal fees by the esteemed?

    Like 12
    Dislike 2
    • Reply says:

      The man bill should be paid by government just like they paid the one for rankings

      Like 2
      Dislike 5
      • Thinking says:

        Ranking did say that he would have required legal representation: and he is a part of the government system – quite sure he did not just go and get someone and just send government the bill.. furthermore, would you want the same lawyer questioning you representing you; does that even make sense to you?

  2. SMDH says:

    Why don’t we just start with checking the integrity politicians first.

    Like 5
    Dislike 1
  3. Windy says:

    I think we need a consultant to check into this.

    Like 2
    Dislike 2
  4. @, WINDY says:

    well it looks like Mr holy CSC got blown away (absent )along with the other two / the ARROGANT esteemed one and of course the wanna-be BISHOP / which gave the give OTHING ( pastor Turnbull) the silent one the OK to finally open his mouth to say NOTHING ? LORD HEL US

  5. @, WINDY says:

    well it looks like Mr holy CSC got blown away (absent )along with the other two / the ARROGANT esteemed one and of course the wanna-be BISHOP / which gave the give OTHING ( pastor Turnbull) the silent one the OK to finally open his mouth to say NOTHING ? LORD HELP US

  6. THANK YOU 4 D heLP says:

    i think the message was understood ?

  7. Integrity says:

    What are the criteria and guidelines lines

    What integrity is this ???
    I understand Govermnent has party all over the districts first and could not pay salary before Christmas to some departments ??
    Victimization is that integrity?
    Putting rat to watch cheese
    First thing we need to respect is our marriage vows !! No mistress with the wives that is integrity
    No man with you husband … First integrity bill .

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