Government’s missed opportunity
The month of November is traditionally a time of introspection as Barbadians reflect on the many successes of our nation. Yet, future success requires that we acknowledge the pledges that remain unfulfilled. Over many decades and spanning multiple administrations, several commitments have been made to the passage of integrity legislation to protect the public sector from rapacious individuals. Still, despite this continued threat, the public, yet again, appears to be engaged in a prolonged waiting game to see integrity legislation become law.
A missed opportunity
Although the Integrity in Public Life Bill has been tabled in parliament since June 2018, its passage and proclamation continues to be delayed. To this administration’s credit, it has provided the rationale for its legislative postponement. Most recently, the Attorney General asserted that it was imprudent to implement the integrity bill without treating to additional legislation such as a modern Prevention of Corruption Act and whistleblowing legislation that fortify the anti-corruption regime.
Whilst the Attorney General’s argument has merit, this administration exposes itself to legitimate criticisms due to the repeated delays in the passage of anti-corruption legislation. In June 2019, the Attorney General affirmed his administration’s intentions to pass the integrity bill, whistleblowing legislation and a prevention of corruption bill in time for Barbados’ independence celebrations.
Yet despite this commitment, there has been no visible legislative movements on these anti-corruption initiatives thereby leaving Barbados’ public sector still highly vulnerable to corruption. In the absence of these initiatives, Barbadian’s main safeguard against corruption is the unwarranted hope that public officials would act with integrity. Such a circumstance is regrettable as the public’s confidence ought to be determined by adequate laws and effective institutions rather than the presumption of personal integrity.
Restoring confidence
Moreover, given the magnitude of this administration’s electoral mandate and the attention matters of corruption have received, the public’s expectation is that by now these matters would have been addressed. Therefore, if this administration is to maintain public favour on matters of integrity it must promptly alleviate the impediments that are delaying the passage of anti-corruption legislation. Doing so would not only restore confidence but place this administration on history’s page as the first to deliver on the promise of integrity legislation.
For more information on Integrity Group Barbados and the need to strengthen Barbados’ integrity regime, visit integritygroupbarbados.com.