The Office of the Deputy Governor has reported significant headway in the implementation of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations, noting that approximately 65 percent of the reforms have been completed.
According to recent updates from their office, 20 of the 31 recommendations assigned have been completed with 1 no longer applicable and the outstanding 10 at an advanced stage.
This noteworthy development follows the visit of the Minister for the Americas, the Caribbean, and UK Overseas Territories, David Rutley, who urged the government during his recent visit to aggressively advance the COI recommendations.
Deputy Governor David Archer, Jr. expressed satisfaction with the significant progress made, underscoring the dedication of public officers within the Office and the Governor’s Group in seeing the process through to completion. He emphasized that reform is a crucial component in advancing the work of the government and transforming the public service into a world-class organization.
Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Sharleen Dabreo-Lettsome echoed Archer’s sentiments, expressing her pleasure with the substantial progress shared with Minister Rutley. She encouraged all public officers within the Office of the Deputy Governor and throughout other ministries to maintain the swift pace in the ongoing efforts.
Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley in a recent COI implementation progress update highlighted the substantial progress made under the Office of the Deputy Governor, emphasizing the proactive approach taken to meet the COI recommendations.
Premier Wheatley mentioned Recommendation B4 – Public Register of Interests, noting that legislation to extend the Register of Interests to a broader category of persons in public life has undergone its first reading in the House of Assembly.
Dr. Wheatley also detailed the actions under Recommendation B4, specifically highlighting the establishment of the Integrity Commission. With the Integrity in Public Life Act coming into force on February 7, 2024, the premier stated that the process of appointing the chairperson and members to establish the Integrity Commission will commence shortly.
Also brought to the forefront was Recommendation B36 – Review of the Public Service Management Act, with the premier noting that the draft bill from the Attorney General’s Chambers is currently under review by the Deputy Governor’s Office. Once finalized, he said the bill will be presented to the Cabinet and subsequently to the House of Assembly for consideration and approval.