Ramesh watches Integrity Commission

The body monitors the annual declarations of the assets and income of all public officials under the Integrity in Public Life Act 2000 which was piloted in Parliament by Maharaj.

The terms of the present commissioner chaired by Gordon Deane reportedly expired August 12. The Act says the five Commissioners are appointed by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition.

Saying he was now hearing about the expiration of the terms of the Commissioners, Maharaj guessed that the lapse might have been caused by President Richards ignoring the appointments for a few days.

“But if you leave it for a while, it causes a problem. You should never have a situation where there is no Integrity Commission”.

A spokesman at President’s House could shed no light on the matter. Newsday was unable to contact Leader of the Opposition Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Meanwhile the Integrity Commission recently posted paid press advertisements warning public officials to ensure they had complied with the May, 2006 deadline, to submit their declarations for assets/income held in 2005.