Latest update November 26th, 2024 1:00 AM
APNU MPs will not submit reports to Integrity Commission
Some public officials view the recent call by the Integrity Commission for the declaration of assets from 1997 to
APNU MP,
Carl Greenidge
2013 as a mere joke.
Some “tickled” opposition members have already declared that in the face of the “laughable request,” they will not submit any reports to the Commission.
In a published advertisement in this newspaper yesterday, the Integrity Commission called on all public officers who are required by law, to submit their 2014 declaration forms to the Office of the Integrity Commission.
It sought to remind that the closing date for submission is on Friday August 22. It reminded too that all defaulting public officials are to submit their outstanding declaration forms from1997 to 2013 to the Commission as soon as possible.
It added that failure to file a declaration with the Commission is an offence according to the Commission’s Act and is subject to Section 22 of the said Act.
The Commission said that declarants are also advised to attach supporting documents for the information provided in their declaration forms.
However, Carl Greenidge, Shadow Finance Minster of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) said that President Donald Ramotar has not discussed the appointment of Commissioners with the Leader of the Opposition and as such, the Commission has not been properly appointed.
APNU is the largest Opposition faction in the National Assembly with 26 of the 65 seats.
“So anything to do with the work of the Integrity Commission will remain controversial until the Chairman and Commissioners are properly appointed,” Greenidge added.
The Member of Parliament (MP) who is also the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament was of the opinion that the lawlessness of the current arrangement is reflected in the fact that the reports of the Commission to Parliament are late and that its existing financial reports have been qualified. When an audited financial statement of a company receives a qualified opinion from an auditor, it simply means that the auditor could not vouch for the transparency and accuracy of the statements.
In view of these points, Greenidge said that APNU Parliamentarians will not submit any reports to the Integrity Commission.
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