VI to establish Parliamentary Commission for Standards soon
This is according to a bulletin from the HoA that explained that the Parliamentary Commission for Standards is an independent body for the maintenance of standards of conduct for HoA members.
The Parliamentary Commission for Standards Act, 2024, states that the Act was to come into force on March 31, 2025.
Role of the Commission
The Commission’s role will be to promote high standards of conduct for House of Assembly Members; independently investigate complaints, advise the public, report to the House; and impose sanctions or recommend serious ones.
However, the Commission is unable to investigate, chamber conduct, private life, party funding and donations, Cabinet breaches, and register of interests or unrelated issues.
To file a complaint, a written submission on an official form is needed, in addition to the complainant’s name, address, the member’s identity, a clear explanation of the breach, attaching evidence of the breach, and the use of prescribed forms once available.
Members of the Commission
While the bulletin from the HoA informed that launch updates and further information will be shared soon, the Act states, “The Commission shall comprise of three Commissioners who are Virgin Islanders or belongers as defined by section 65(2) and 2(2) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 U.K.S.I. 2007 No.1678. (2) The Chairperson of the Commission shall be a retired judge or an attorney at law of at least 15 years standing, and who has practised in the Virgin Islands or within the jurisdiction of the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States.
It further explains that the HoA, on the recommendation of an interview panel, appoint by resolution the Commissioners referred to in section 4 on terms and conditions as the HoA may determine.
All members of the HoA signed the HoA’s Code of Conduct and Guide to the Rules relating to the Conduct of Members on October 30, 2024.
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