PNCR instructs MPs not to make submissions to Integrity Commission - Corbin

PNCR instructs MPs not to make submissions to Integrity Commission – Corbin

Jan 24, 2009 News

Mr Robert Corbin, Leader of the main opposition party, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), said that that party had instructed its Members of Parliament not to make submissions to the Integrity Commission until the court determines the legality in the setting up of the Commission.

Robert Corbin

Corbin mounted a legal challenge to the constitutionality of the Commission in May 2005, but the matter has not had a hearing. In the absence of this, Corbin said, his party’s Members of Parliament have been told to make sure their documents are in order, but not to submit them until a determination of the case.
On Monday last, President Bharrat Jagdeo said that, within two weeks, he would instruct the Commission to publish the names of all Members of Parliament who have not made declarations of their assets. Those who have not made declarations would be charged, the President said.
The Integrity Commission Act stipulates that if a person fails to make a declaration of their incomes and assets to the Commission, the Commission or the President should publish this in the Gazette and in a daily newspaper. Corbin is claiming that Jagdeo, “contrary to the letter and spirit of the law and the Constitution,” unilaterally appointed the Commission in violation of the requirements for meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition. In addition, Corbin also claimed that Jagdeo did not take into account the requirements of the Integrity Commission Act with respect to the persons to be appointed to that position.
“Contrary to the propaganda of the President and his PPP cohorts, the PNCR had initiated, prior to 1992, the drafting of an Integrity Commission Law, and has always supported the purpose and principles underlying the establishment of an autonomous Integrity Commission, to ensure that there is probity, particularly by Governmental and other public officials at all levels,” Corbin stated.
He said the PNCR has a fundamental objection to the manipulation of the Commission by the President, and the violation of the law in its appointment.
“The fact that the President can claim to have instructed the Commission on what action should be taken against Opposition Members of Parliament is testimony to his perception that the Commission is nothing but a convenient tool of the Executive to persecute members of the Opposition,” Corbin said at a press conference at his party’s Congress Place headquarters.
“It does appear that the President is now even usurping the operational functions and responsibilities of the Commissioner of Police by instructing the police to arrest Members of Parliament.”
Corbin said the PNCR would not be intimidated, and would continue to resolutely pursue the matter in the courts.
The Alliance For Change party had also lashed out at the President’s statement, saying that the Integrity Commission was established to oversee the acquisition of assets by public officials; and if there is a failure to comply, there are certain prescribed actions that the Commission may take without the instruction having to come from the President of Guyana.