By Vivian Tyson
SUN Associate Editor
The Integrity Commission Bill, which is geared at holding public officials accountable as it relates to the handling of public funds, was passed in the House of Assembly during the tabling of the estimates of expenditure mid April.
The Bill which was piloted by the Government's Appointed Member Hon. Don-Hue Gardiner, seeks to make provision to detect and prevent corruption by persons in public life. In effect, it establishes a commission to whom officers are required to file annual declaration of assets and liabilities.
The Integrity Commission is empowered to investigate and hold enquiries with respect to any declaration filed, and if as a result of such investigation or enquiry is found that the individual making the declaration makes a false revelation or the declaration was fraudulent in any way, that individual commits an offence and could be prosecuted.
The Integrity Commission is also authorized to file reports to the Attorney General in relation to any enquiry held by it.
The Bill, according to the proponents, also classified several acts which are deemed to be acts of corruption, by persons in public life.
“Where a person in public life commits any of these acts of corruption, he can be proceeded against in court. The court can impose a fine, imprisonment and forfeiture of any property obtained by means of the act of corruption,” the Bill indicates.
Persons in public life, according to the Bill, are defined as the Scheduled to be amended, if required.
