Harrison to discuss role with anti-corruption commissioners
Published:Monday | March 12, 2018 | 12:00 AMEdmond Campbell/ Senior Staff Reporter
Dirk Harrison, who currently holds the position of contractor general, said he could not have been appointed a commissioner on the new single anti-corruption body because of the requirements for such appointments.
The new Integrity Act makes it clear that the commissioners would be selected from retired judges, senior retired public officials, the auditor general and persons who represent non-governmental organisations.
However, the law also states that the commission shall carry out its functions through a number of divisions comprising information and complaints, investigation, and corruption prosecution. Each of these divisions will be headed by a director.
The contractor general, who has two years of his seven-year contract remaining, said he would be having discussions with the commissioners to determine where he fits into the new entity.
The commissioners presiding over the new Integrity Commission are expected to take charge of the Corruption Prevention Commission, the Office of the Contractor General and the Integrity Commission as they consolidate to carry out a fresh mandate under the provisions of the new law.
Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck says he has met with the commissioners of the single oversight body set up to fight corruption and has given them instructions as to how they should proceed.
"I met with them and gave them the directions to take over the three entities and move forward," Chuck told The Gleaner yesterday.
In addition, Chuck has given the commissioners proposals on how they could get funding for the new entity.
The commissioners appointed by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen are retired judge of the Court of Appeal, Justice Karl Harrison, as chairman; retired Court of Appeal president, Justice Seymour Panton; Auditor General Pamela Monroe Ellis; tax expert Eric Crawford; and former contractor general Derrick McKoy.