The Integrity commission held a panel discussion last evening (Wednesday 6th December, 2023) under the theme “Is there a role for everyone in promoting integrity in public office in the Commonwealth of Dominica?”

This was held in support of Anti-corruption day which is scheduled to be acknowledged on December 9, 2023.

President of the Dominica Bar Association

Noelize Knight-Didier acknowledged the fear which is gripping our society from reporting against unlawful and unfair acts. She noted that society has to take actual action and not just call the radio and talk. Didier voiced that decisive actions such as filing judicial review and complaints with the Integrity Public Service Commission needs to be interacted with.

She encouraged persons to not let the fear of no success derail them from taking action as she noted as of recent no complaints have been lodged with the integrity commission unlike earlier years where a few complaints were filed even though they were not successful.

She questioned what is going on and that citizens must persists to not allow Malfeasance, corruption and unfairness by public persons to be inflicted on us and do nothing about it.

Attorney at law and member of the integrity commission Cara Shillingford called for a review of the legislation as the role of the commission is to maintain and serve as a watch dog for inquiries in corruption.

She gave a personal suggestion that the 2015 amendments made on the Act will need to be reversed. She noted her disapproval of the amendment which affords the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition to recommend, two members and one member, respectively. 

Finally, Pastor Michel Jean Jacques spoke on accountability which needs to be engaged as there has been a lack of questions on accountability.