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Legislators could have salary withheld over non-compliance to Register of Interest Act

-Premier Natalio D. Wheatley says proposal on the table as previous measures did not work
Dr the Hon Wheatley Premier was at the time speaking in an interview with the acting Director of Communications Karia J. Christopher on May 23, 2024, on strengthening the systems of accountability. Photo: GIS/File
Premier Dr Wheatley added that an independent commission will be created to manage the process where the Registrar of Interest, Mr Phyllis Evens will be able to get information on non-compliance of members. Photo: GIS/File
Premier Dr Wheatley added that an independent commission will be created to manage the process where the Registrar of Interest, Mr Phyllis Evens will be able to get information on non-compliance of members. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – As part of a proposal that the House of Assembly (HoA) has its own independent system of accountability, Premier Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) says Legislators will soon be suspended and have their salary withheld for non-compliance to the Register of Interest Act as it relates to declaring their interest.

“In the past, the House of Assemble members if they did not register their interest in time, there was not a proper system to hold us accountable… so we have made some changes to the Register of Interest Act,” he said to

Dr the Hon Wheatley Premier was at the time speaking in an interview with the acting Director of Communications Karia J. Christopher on May 23, 2024, on strengthening the systems of accountability.

He added that an independent commission will be created to manage the process where the Registrar of Interest, Phyllis Evans will be able to get information on non-compliance of members. 

New system to be implemented 

“When she discovers whether someone, some individual has not registered their interest on time, it would have been the practice in the past to report this to a committee of the House of Assembly, which is the Registrar of Interest committee.”

The Premier added, “We found that that didn't work so well in the past, so right now under the present proposal that the Speaker has put forward. The Registrar of interest would have to report that violation to an independent Commission who would have the powers to ensure that suspension and that withholding of the salaries would be actioned,” he added. 

The Premier indicated that there are also Standing Orders of the House which the Speaker is in control of, which gives provision for the suspension of members and any kind of sanctions imposed on members.

 

 

12 Responses to “Legislators could have salary withheld over non-compliance to Register of Interest Act ”

  • ... (01/06/2024, 20:04) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good going premier
  • Great. I agree. (02/06/2024, 01:35) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    These people for so long being doing what they want without consequences, robbing, stealing, victimizing, they were bigger than the law. Its time for them to be respinsible, follow higher instruction or pay the consequences...
    • @ great.i agree (02/06/2024, 07:33) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
      LOLLL! Do you hear yourselves!? That's how much you hate the Dr premier's Government. You could write your own fiction novel based off of those absent minded comments.

      • @@Great I agree. (02/06/2024, 13:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        The Premier is my Guy, I like him.. But at some point they all have to learn to take orders from a higher authority, take instructions you see, when they gave instructions they expect staff to obey or they face consequences. ..They need to lead by example..Follow the instructions do what is asked. Its a good part of good governance.
    • Read between the lines (02/06/2024, 11:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      "Legislators could have salary withheld over non-compliance to Register of Interest Act" pay attention to the rhetoric, particularly the word "could". He isn't saying that it will happen so don't get your hopes high
  • Would (02/06/2024, 04:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    But Won’t
  • The watchdog (02/06/2024, 07:04) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am starting to love this premier things will get better
  • Citizen (02/06/2024, 07:17) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    I am quite disappointed that the premier going soft on joining cricum, no referendum needed we need full membership NOW
  • Voter in district 6 (02/06/2024, 07:25) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Seems this is another instance where the opposition are attempting to keep the public in the dark.
    What are they afraid of?
  • WHAT!!! (02/06/2024, 11:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Not “could have “ but will have no “could “ about it.
  • Really? (02/06/2024, 16:43) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Suspend my foot. We all know this will never happen. #greedybill!
  • Stealth (04/06/2024, 14:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    If politicians don’t want to disclose their properties, holdings,,businesses, etc, in the interest of transparency, accountability, responsibility, openness and good governance, they should not stand for election to represent the people’s interest in the HoA., Those who don’t want to partake in the register of interest may have something to hide. Leave the HoA to those who are willing to comply with the rules. The people need to know what you holding and who you running with.


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