Former People’s National Party Member of Parliament Dwayne Vaz has again sought to clarify his situation in relation to breaches of the Integrity Commission Act.

Mr. Vaz pleaded guilty to breaches of the act in Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court this morning.

However, in a release to the media Mr. Vaz sought to explain the terms of the plea. 

According to the statement, Mr. Vaz in the proceedings held today, addressed the charge of failure without reasonable cause to provide information requested to the Director of Information and Complaints by way of notice dated November 3, 2020 and subsequent extension dated November 20, 2020. 

The release stated that this charge relates to a 2020 notice concerning a delay in providing specific information about one entity with which Mr. Vaz is associated. 

It said Mr. Vaz subsequently submitted all required documentation thereafter and received a letter from the Integrity Commission dated May 18, 2021, stating that his statutory declaration up to December 31, 2019, was reviewed and was found to be in compliance with the Integrity Commission Act.

According to the release, Mr. Vaz acknowledged his delay and pleaded guilty to the charge relating only to the failure to provide the additional information on the day on which it was due.

During his plea, Mr. Vaz pointed out that he intends to argue his case based on the May 18, 2021 letter asserting that it discharged his obligations under the act. 

The release said he also highlighted a significant procedural lapse: as Mr. Vaz said the Integrity Commission did not present the May 18, 2021 letter to the court, a document it said is crucial to Mr. Vaz’s defence.

It said Mr. Vaz wishes to emphasize that he has no outstanding declaration and notes that the notice was issued three years after the letter confirming his compliance was received.

It said he remains committed to resolving this matter in accordance with the law.