– with amendments to strengthen the Integrity Commission Law

GUYANA’S Integrity Commission Act, which was passed in 1997, is due for an update that would promote stronger, transparent and more accountable mechanisms, Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira has said.
A review of the legislation is underway to simplify the process of submitting declarations of income, assets and liabilities.

While engaging members of the media on the sidelines of an event on Tuesday, Minister Teixeira said several weaknesses had already been identified.
For example, the law will establish formal guidelines for electronic filings and implement advanced cybersecurity technology to protect uploaded data.

“One simple amendment we’re making is that right now you report from June to June, which is very inconvenient for filers. So one of the changes we’re making to make it easier for filers is to put it in a fiscal calendar year. The proposal is to report at the same time you do your income tax,” the minister said.

Finally, the “screws are tightening” on those in public office who refuse to honestly declare their assets.
To further strengthen the reporting mechanism, Teixeira said tougher sanctions are also imminent.

“If you have been late filing or not filing, one of the views the Commission has taken is the shame and blame game; if we publish the names that didn’t declare, it might make them a little more sensitive and try to comply with the law,” said Teixeira.
She pointed out that as the constitutional body moves to a more electronic system, many processes are expected to be more efficient.

The minister said: “I think as we improve and are able to store everything electronically and be able to access everything electronically, which they are working on, it will be a much less tedious and quicker process to find whether people have complied or not the act.”
These reviews, she noted, will soon be submitted to the National Assembly. Enacted in 1997, the Integrity Commission Act was intended to encourage accountability and openness in public life.
The Integrity Commission, an impartial entity tasked with monitoring and implementing the Act, is established by it.

Building public confidence, encouraging good governance and deterring corruption are the objectives of the law.

According to the constitutional body’s website, the Commission has conducted public information programs to educate officials about these requirements and the importance of maintaining integrity in public life.
The electronic system is expected to facilitate better compliance and monitoring of declarations, ultimately encouraging greater public confidence in governance.