The Integrity Commission has chided an unnamed government minister, for what it says, were misguided statements made regarding statutory declaration requirements, for spouses of parliamentarians and public officials.
The remark comes on the heels of Justice Minister Delroy Chuck questioning whether the commission has the power to request information on the spouses of government officials.
Speaking at yesterday’s meeting of the Integrity Commission Oversight Committee, Mr. Chuck said he advised persons not to allow their spouses to divulge the information.
In a statement today, the Commission said it has taken note of comments made on social media by a parliamentarian regarding the matter.
It said the parliamentarian was ignorant of pertinent provisions of the Integrity Commission Act.
The Commission explained that the Integrity Commission Act imposes specific obligations, related to the filing of statutory declarations by parliamentarians and public officials.
It said the third schedule of the act specifically requires information regarding the particulars of income, from all sources of the declarant, spouse, and children related to officials.
Consequently, the Commission stated that all parliamentarians and public officials, who are required to file statutory declarations, are obligated under the act to disclose pertinent information, including spousal income details.
Meantime, the Commission said it has written to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate, offering parliamentarians an opportunity to participate in a virtual sensitization session.
The session would include a presentation on completing the statutory declaration form and provide an opportunity for parliamentarians to ask questions about the examination process.
