The integrity commission bill was a hot button issue as it revealed yesterday who should under law be able to make declarations and as Attorney General Hue Shepheard explained on the Governor is exempt, thus meaning himself and the CEO of the TCI can be called to give evidence or face the commission.
He added that the governor is in the TCI as a representative of the queen and holds that responsibility as is observed in the UK and the laws are clear on what the Governor can and cannot adhere to in the Turks and Caiocs Islands.
This clarification has left to query whether it was under these principles that former Governor Richard Tauwhare operated under while installed as Governor of the TCI but has his signature affixed to several of the now controversial deals that have been placed under public scrutiny while ruling over the former Premier Michael Misick administration.
Tuesday’s meeting also debated and supported amendments to the Integrity Commission Ordinance and accompanying Schedules. The amendments, among other things, change the filing requirements that apply to persons in public life; give the Commission and the Governor more flexibility in administering the Ordinance; and lower the threshold for the value of gifts that must be declared.
One of the Schedules carries a list of the “Persons in Public Life” who are required to file returns, and the Commission has asked these persons to review and submit comments on the amendments.
The Agriculture Bill 2012 provides for the establishment and operation of a Department of Agriculture, and the appointment of a Director and staff to manage and administer the Department. Government expects the agriculture sector to meet more of local food demand, reduce dependence on imports, and create employment, as part of its role in the ongoing recovery and future economic growth of the TCI.
The Forum also voted to support the related Control of Animals Bill 2012 which transfers responsibility for the control of animals, including the provision of pounds, from the Environmental Health Department to the new Department of Agriculture.
