Last Updated on October 8, 2022, 2:08 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew visited the office of the integrity Commission at Liverpool in Basseterre, St Kitts, on Wednesday, October 6, 2022. While there, Dr Terrance Drew was given a tour of the premises by the Chairperson of the Commission, Retired High Court Judge Pearletta Lanns.
The other integrity commissioners also joined the two leaders on tour. During the visit, the Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew, familiarized himself with St Kitts and Nevis Integrity Commissioners. The Commissioners were at the premises, looking forward to meeting the Attorney-General.
They sought to discuss the ideas emerging from the swift implementation of the Government’s Anti-Corruption legislative agenda.
According to the proposed anti-corruption Act, the government of St Kitts and Nevis will appoint Special Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute criminal acts of corruption throughout the Civil Service, Statutory Boards and Government-Owned Companies, subject to the powers of the Director of Public Prosecution granted to them by the constitution.
St Kitts Integrity Commission is a body brought into existence under the Integrity in Public Life Act. The Integrity Commission consists of a chairperson and two other people. Governor-General must appoint all three members of the Commission.
In the case of the Chairperson, they must be a retired Judge or an attorney-at-law with at least fifteen years of experience, appointed by the Governor-General acting in (their) own deliberate judgment.
In the case of the remaining two appointments, the Governor General must consult the country’s Prime Minister and the opposition leader.
The St Kitts Integrity Commission will serve for five years. It must consist of persons of high integrity, capable of exercising competence, diligence, sound judgment and impartiality in fulfilling their duties according to the provisions of the Act.
Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew referenced this meeting in a subsequent interview with Freedom FM. While talking about his visit and the tour of the Integrity Commission, PM Dr Terrance Drew stated, “once we start on the path of good governance, it will allow the country to unleash its full potential …we want to create that new paradigm. It takes time, but we are working quickly to ensure we get it right.”
He further stated that we aim to create a country that is the envy of many.
The members constituting the St Kitts Integrity Commission are: Chairperson (Retired) Pearletta Lanns, Carol Boddie and Dennis “Freddie” Knight.
The Nevis Integrity Commission comprises Chairman Ricaldo Caines, G. Sydney Newton, and Mr Alford Tyrell.
The Nevis Integrity Commissioners are appointed under the Nevis Integrity in Public Life Ordinance.
Garth Wilkin, Attorney General, appointed by the government of St Kitts and Nevis, expressed that “The Freedom of Information Act, passed in 2018, will finally be operationalized to allow the press and public access to non-confidential Government information and to protect whistle-blowers”.
Additionally, he said he would meet with the Press Association on Friday, October 7, 2022, to discuss possible recommendations.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
