Integrity Commission members to be sworn in tomorrow

As President, Professor Max Richards administers the oath of office to members of the Integrity Commission tomorrow, and a member of the last Integrity Commission is expected to be appointed the new chairman.

Sources said it was likely that the President would be appointing John Martin as chairman and Gordon Deane as Deputy Chairman. Martin served as Deputy Chairman under the last Commission, which was chaired by Justice Gerard Des Iles. Des Iles who has been concerned about the lack of the declaration forms, is not expected to be re-appointed. The appointment of the members —five in all — however does not mean that the Integrity Commission will be functioning effectively.

The declaration forms which were required under the Integrity in Public Life Act 2000 are still to be brought to Parliament for passage by affirmative resolution, even though they (the forms) had been prepared since September 2001. Attorney General Glenda Morean conceded on Sunday that the Integrity Commission could not function properly without the declaration forms. But she also pointed out that UK consultant, Bernard de Speville also found that the proposed forms were an effective way of dealing with the issue of corruption and he had made certain recommendations.

Noting that Cabinet would be deliberating on these recommendations this Thursday, the AG said hopefully there would be a decision, thereby enabling the new forms to be ready for presentation to Parliament. The last Integrity Commission had the task of investigating the failure by Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday to make certain declarations. The Commission began its investigation only after it was presented with information arising out of investigations under forensic accountant Bob Lindquist. The Commission then referred the issue to the DPP and Panday was subsequently charged.