Retooled draft ministerial code submitted to PM

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman yesterday handed over a “re-worked” draft of the code of conduct for government officials and Members of Parliament to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who announced that the next move is to seek to incorporate it into the integrity legislation although there is no timeframe for when the process will be completed.

Speaking at his Shiv Chanderpaul Drive office, Nagamootoo said the code, which was promised in the coalition government’s first 100 days, will now be sent to the chief parliamentary counsel for advice on whether it should be incorporated as an amendment to the legislation.

According to the Prime Minister, since the Integrity Commission Act already provides for the declaration of assets and for justification of assets belonging to persons holding public office and their relatives, it should be broadened to include the “prescription… for a code of conduct.” He said this is to