AG silent on judges filing assets

“That is a matter for the Integrity Commission which has full and independent authority under the Constitution,” he said.

Jeremie who had come to the Parliament in 2004 and announced that Government was considering removing members of the judiciary from the category of persons in public life cited in the Integrity in Public Life Act, was also asked whether Government had changed its position on this issue.

He said when he made the statement it was on the basis of legal advice which he had received. He added that since then the matter had been taken to the court and he intended to wait until the court rules on this matter (before deciding on Government’s final position). The deadline for filing is today. And since the Basdeo Panday case, there has been a renewed commitment to abiding by this particular law.

The Integrity Commission itself held seminars with all the categories of persons who made file declarations in an attempt to ensure that there is complete compliance with the law.

Under the law all ministers, Members of Parliament, members of State Boards, the higher echelons of the public service and members of the judiciary are required to file declarations with the Integrity Commission. Sources said Basdeo Panday, who was convicted for failing to declare a London bank account and who is prohibited from performing the functions of a Member of Parliament, is still required to file a declaration with the Commission because he has not vacated his seat and is still a Member of Parliament.