Integrity Commission needs no budget now, says Chuck

 

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck has said there is no need for a budget to be in place for the Integrity Commission which is to be established shortly.

 

He was responding to questions posed by Mark Golding, Opposition Spokesman on Finance, about the lack of additional resources for the Commission.

 

The issue came up during Wednesday morning's meeting of the Standing Finance Committee which is reviewing the 2018/2019 Budget.

 

"As soon as the Integrity Commission comes into operation, it will take control of the resources personnel of the Corruption Commission, the existing Integrity Commission and the Contractor General; and as you know, the legislation provides for a period of continuity, so the question of additional resources would not come in until perhaps wee into the fiscal year - by which time, I suspect further funds may not be needed until the next fiscal year. So to the extent that nothing was provided in this budget, it is because there will be a consolidation of the three existing entities," the Justice Minister explained.  

 

The new single anti-corruption agency will incorporate the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption, the Integrity Commission, and the Office of the Contractor General.

 

It will be responsible for investigating and prosecuting acts of corruption.