This is according to Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley, who shared recently that his newly installed unity government has been looking closely at fixes needed to bring the legislation in line with recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report.

But as the government announced the dissolution of three boards and its intention to appoint new members, Premier Wheatley was asked how his government plans to appoint board members moving forward. He was also asked whether these appointments would be in line with recommendations in the report.

Responding to those questions, which were put to him at a recent press conference, the Premier agreed that the COI recommendations proposed that those appointments be made in a much more transparent way and said his government has already started doing advertisements for board members.

He indicated that this is at least one measure which shows that his government’s approach is compliant with the transparency element proposed in the COI report.

Premier Wheatley also shared that his government is seeking to ensure that the persons placed on the statutory boards going forward have the necessary expertise to serve.

Another area that is expected to receive renewed attention is the notion of stakeholders involvement with statutory boards.

Dr Wheatley said his government will now ensure that persons adhere to the existing legislation that speaks to the issue of specific stakeholders being involved with statutory boards.

And according to the Premier, in instances where the legislation is silent on the issue of stakeholders, his government intends to make those necessary legislative changes.

“We’re considering making amendments to the legislation to ensure that it calls for the stakeholders, for whatever that particular board is, to be present,” Premier Wheatley said.

He added that his government has committed to ensuring that a Statutory Commissions Board will be implemented, as was recommended in the COI report.