Code of ethics in place

FORMER Attorney General Anthony Smart yesterday reminded the population that a Code of Ethics was established for government ministers and parliamentary secretaries since 1988 by the then NAR government. However, Smart said this reminder was not fuelled by any political controversy (recent or otherwise) nor was he attempting to cast aspersions against either the current Government or Opposition. Smart said he was merely reminding citizens of the Code’s existence. In a letter, Smart outlined various aspects of the nine-point Code of Ethics, some of which have an indirect reference to the current Landate controversy involving Housing Minister Dr Keith Rowley.

The Code states that “the returns of ministers’ disclosures of interests shall be  made to the Prime Minister and shall be kept in a Register of Interests, on a confidential basis by the Secretary to Cabinet.” According to the Code, government ministers must disclose any lands or properties they own to the Register. The ministers must also “resign directorships in all companies, cease to engage in professional practice and cease to be involved in the routine work of any business.”