President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday indicated that he would proceed to appoint three members of the Integrity Commission, although consultations on a chairperson are yet to be completed.
“We plan to swear in those,” Jagdeo said, referring to the three nominees, while adding that there has been no consultation on a chairperson after the government’s nominee Professor James Rose asked to be removed from consideration. Rose’s employ in the government service prohibits him from holding the post.
Last week, the PNCR said if President Jagdeo proceeds to appoint the commission, it would not recognize it, explaining that the constitution has not been properly completed. Jagdeo, however, maintained that that there was sufficient consultation on three nominees. He also reaffirmed his opinion that further consultation should not have to await the return of Opposition Leader Robert Corbin, noting that the process continued even while he was out of the country, with Prime Minister Samuel Hinds acting in his stead.
He said the same was expected from the PNCR.
The Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, has written to PNCR General Secretary Oscar Clarke about the President’s “anxiety” to immediately conclude the consultation.
The PNCR has, however, accused President Jagdeo of being hell-bent on appointing a commission, without following the procedures laid down by the Constitution and the Integrity Act. It said the administration is taking advantage of Corbin’s illness to seek to appoint a commission which would be hard-pressed to win the confidence and support of the Guyanese people.
