by Linda Straker
- Governor-General reappointed 7 commissioners from 1 June for 2 years
- Notice of Appointment published in 11 July Government Gazette
- No summary nor annual report published in Government Gazette or laid in Parliament over past 3 years
Governor-General Dame Cécile La Grenade has reappointed the same 7 people to serve as Commissioners of the Integrity Commission for the new term, which will run from 1 June 2025 for 2 years. The previous commission’s lifespan ended on 31 May 2025.
According to a Notice of Appointment dated 8 July published in the 11 July 2025 publication of the Government Gazette, the appointment is in accordance with Section 4 subsection 2 of the 2013 Integrity in Public Life Act.
“Pursuant to Section 4(1) of the Integrity in Public Life Act, No. 24 of 2013, which established the Integrity Commission, the Public is hereby informed that the Governor–General, Her Excellency Dame Cécile La Grenade, GCMG, acting in accordance with Section 4(2), appointed the following persons to the Integrity Commission, with effect from 1st June 2025, for a period of two (2) years.”
The members of the Commission are:
- Gillian Bristol, Barrister-at-Law: Chairperson
- Ronald Peters, Accountant: Deputy Chairperson
- Deborah Mitchell, Attorney-at-Law: Member
- Ann David-Antoine, Representative of His Majesty’s Opposition: Member
- Justin Campbell, Representative of the Prime Minister: Member
- Oforiwa Augustine, Representative of the Conference of Churches: Member
- Bishop Devon Rachae, Representative of the Alliance of Evangelical Churches: Member
The Integrity in Public Life Act states that a member of the commission shall hold office for a period not exceeding 3 years and shall be eligible for re-appointment. The re-appointed commissioners are holding office for a period of 2 years.
Among the functions of the committee are “to examine all declarations filed pursuant to the provisions of the act; make such inquiries as it considers necessary in order to verify or determine the accuracy of a declaration filed pursuant to the provisions of this Act and receive and investigate complaints regarding any alleged breaches of the provisions of this Act or the commission of any suspected offence under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Chapter 252A.”
The commission shall also “investigate the conduct of any person falling under the purview of the commission which, in the opinion of the commission, may be considered dishonest or conducive to corruption; examine the practices and procedures of public bodies; and instruct, advise and assist the heads of public bodies with respect to changes in practices or procedures which may be necessary to reduce the occurrence of corrupt practices.”
According to the legislation, in exercising its functions the commission “shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority; may in all cases where it considers it appropriate to do so, make use of the services or draw on the expertise of any law enforcement agency or the Public Service; and shall have the power to authorise investigations, summon witnesses, require the production of any reports, documents or other relevant information, and to do all such things as it considers necessary or expedient for the purpose of carrying out its functions.”
While individual information about people filing assets or declaring gifts to the gift registry must remain private and confidential with the Integrity Commission, the Integrity in Public Life (Amendment) Act, 2015 mandates that the annual report of the commission be made public.
Section 23A states that the “commission shall, not later than four months after each financial year, furnish a copy of the financial statements and the annual report to the Director of Audit, who shall audit the financial statements in accordance with the Audit Act Cap. 22A.”
Further, Section 26(1) states, “Without delay after the completion of his or her Audit of the Commission, the Director of Audit shall submit–
(a) a copy of his or her report to the Commission; and
(b) a copy of the report referred to in paragraph (a), together with the financial statements and the Annual Report to the Minister, and the Minister of Finance.
(2) The Minister shall, after receiving the audit report, together with the financial statement and the annual report, lay the same before the House of Representatives in accordance with section 82(4) of the Constitution and section 18(6) of the Audit Act.
(3) As soon as reasonably practicable after the report, together with the financial statements and the annual report of the Commission have been laid before the House of Representatives, the Commission shall cause the report, financial statements and a summary of its annual report to be published in the Gazette, and a copy of the annual report shall be made available to any person on payment of the prescribed fee to the Commission.”
A review of papers laid in the Parliament and the Government Gazettes published for the past 3 years revealed that neither a summary nor the annual report has been published in the gazette or laid in the Lower or Upper House of Parliament.