-
by pltm
(PLTM) - Hearings of the United Kingdom-imposed Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into corruption go underway with evidence being provided by Cabinet Secretary, Ms Sandra Ward.
According to the CoI's Secretariat, the hearings commenced on May 4 and apart from the Cabinet Secretary, the Commissioner Rt Hon Sir Gary Hickinbottom heard oral submissions from the Attorney General Dawn Smith on her application to participate in the COI in her own right and on behalf of a number of identified government bodies.
The Commissioner has issued orders following the hearing, which will in any event be published on the CoI website shortly. For now, it appears that the Commission intends to continue to keep the hearings private, but indicated that where possible, some transcripts will be released to the public, taking into account the rights and obligations of those who appear before the Commission.
According to the Secretariat, a number of governmental bodies have provided documents to the COI.
"In respect of these documents, the Attorney General has confirmed that the Government reserves its position as regards its rights of privilege and confidentiality. These issues affect how such documents can be used and disclosed by the CoI. The Commissioner has decided that his initial hearings need to be in private to allow for the secure provision of information and documents over which such rights are or may be maintained. The provision of such information and documents is necessary to the continued work of the CoI," the CoI's Secretariat has disclosed.
The CoI was issued on January 19, 2021 to look into whether corruption, abuse of office or other serious dishonesty may have taken place amongst public, elected and statutory officials in recent years. Hickinbottom is the sole Commissioner.
-----
Copyright 2023 by Virgin Islands Platinum News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
