A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Chairman David Granger said his coalition would welcome the establishment of the much-needed Integrity Commission, once it was allowed the power to enforce and carry out the Provision of the Integrity act.
Granger said APNU was concerned about external figures influencing independent bodies such as the Integrity Commission. “It’s not just a matter of appointing these institutions and agencies; it’s a matter of if they are autonomous. Yes we would like an Integrity Commission, but at the same time we want to make sure that the procedures of the appointment of that commission are transparent and when that commission is appointed, it is not under the thumb nail of the executive,” he told Guyana Times International.
The Opposition Leader said there were many concerns about all the independent institutions. He reflected that APNU had long been lobbying for the appointment of an Ombudsman, and was thrilled when former Judge Winston Moore took office.
The retired brigadier said the issue did not lie in the filling of the constitutional offices, but ensuring that they were independent. He stressed that the establishment of the commission, which has been non-functional for some time now, will be welcoming, since it should be able to carry out its responsibilities. “We don’t want to have an Integrity Commission without being empowered to carry out the functions of the Integrity Act,” he explained.
The Integrity Commission, which is solely responsible for the accountability of persons holding public office, has been without a chairman for some time now and has reportedly been functioning on a skeletal system.
Based on the Integrity Commission Act, the Commission’s staff should comprise a Chairman, three Commissioners, a Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, an Accounts Clerk, a Clerical Officer, a Receptionist, an Office Assistant and a Cleaner. However, this publication understands that almost half of these positions are vacant.
The Chairman of the Commission should be as qualified as a Puisne Judge of the High Court or any other fit and proper person appearing to the Head of State. He should be seen as experienced in areas of law and public administration. The Chairman and other members are appointed by the President after consultation with the Opposition Leader. The names of the Chairman and other members upon the establishment of the Commission and any change in membership must be published in the Gazette and in the daily newspapers.
The Commission has the power to do anything for its proper performance and is not subjected to the direction or control of any person or other authority.
