While debating the Integrity in Public Life bill recently, Minister Wheatley argued that it was important for this trust to be restored, both in elected officials and within the public service as well.

He noted that persons continue to speak about the public service, but said this is usually done in a very bad light.

“I think we could all agree that over the past few years we as leaders have suffered from a lack of trust by the public,” Wheatley said.

As lawmakers, legislators needed to be strategic, intentional and deliberate in their duties, the Labour Minister reasoned. He further argued that the government’s aggressive legislative agenda reflects this approach.

Who will serve on the Commission

Meanwhile, the Integrity in Public Life Act seeks to establish an Integrity Commission which will assist in achieving government’s objective of promoting good governance, enhancing ethical conduct of public officials, and strengthening the prevention and detection of corrupt acts by persons in public life.

Minister Wheatley said the chairperson of this commission is expected to be a retired judge or an attorney at law who has practised for at least 15 years in the Virgin Islands.

According to Minister Wheatley, the Commission — which is expected to be made up of the Premier’s nominee, the Opposition Leader’s nominee and a nominee from the Christian Council — will be reflective of the BVI’s society.

The minister contended that the commission will be fully autonomous and balanced and said no one will be able to stack it in their favour as is being done with the United States Supreme Court.