St Kitts and Nevis: Corruption will be eradicated, assures PM Terrance Drew

St Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis- Dr Terrance Drew, shared the update on his visit to the Office of the Integrity Commission at Liverpool Row, Basseterre, St Kitts, on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. During his visit, he also led a tour of the Office by its Chairperson, Retired High Court Judge Pearletta Lanns and other Integrity Commissioners.

He also indulged in various meetings during his visit. He met with St Kitts and Nevis Integrity Commissioners, who were present to meet with the Attorney-General. In the meeting, they both shared ideas to eradicate corruption and the swift implementation of the government’s Anti-Corruption legislative agenda. 

In the Anti-Corruption act, the government of St Kitts and Nevis stressed that there is a need for the appointment of a Special Prosecutor who could investigate and prosecute criminal acts of corruption throughout the Civil Service, Statutory Boards and Government-Owned Companies, subject to the constitutional powers of the Director of Public Prosecution.

Established by the Integrity in Public Life Act, the St Kitts Integrity Commission included a chairperson, with the eligibility of the retried Judge or an attorney-at-law of at least fifteen years standing,

appointed by the Governor-General acting in his or her own deliberate judgment and two other persons appointed by the Governor-General after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, respectively. 

The commission is formed to serve for a period of five years and the body should be filled with persons of high integrity, capable of exercising competence, diligence, sound judgment and impartiality in fulfilling their duties pursuant to the provisions of the Act.

While giving an interview on Freedom FM’s Issues stated that “once we start on the path of good governance, it will allow the country to unleash its full potential …we want to create that new paradigm. It takes time, but we are working quickly on it to make sure we get it right.” 

He further noted, “we want to create a country that is the envy of many.”

Now, Pearletta Lanns, Chairperson, Carol Boddie and Dennis “Freddie” Knight will be serving as St Kitts Integrity Commissioners. On the other hand, Ricaldo Caines, Chairman of the Commission, G. Sydney Newton, and Mr Alford Tyrell will be served as the Nevis Integrity Commissioners. 

In order to maintain the Nevis Integrity in Public Life Ordinance, the Idea of the appointment of the Nevis Integrity Commissioners has been generated. 

Further, Attorney General, Garth Wilkin, stated,”The Freedom of Information Act, passed in 2018, will finally be operationalized to allow access to the press and public to non-confidential Government information and to protect whistle-blowers”. 

In order to discuss possible recommendations, he will meet with the Press Association on Friday, October 7 2022.