Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com

Legislation for better governance in Nevis tops 2007 agenda
12-22-2006

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis: A package of legislation to improve governance on Nevis will be top on the agenda for the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) in 2007, according to Premier Joseph Parry.

The legislation will make ministers and civil servants more accountable while they perform their fiduciary responsibilities as public officers.

“In that regard, we will appoint a permanent Integrity and Fairness Commission to hear complaints from the public and investigate ministers and public senior civil servants; enact finance regulations which will clearly outline procedures for the management and accounting of government finances; pass an integrity act to govern the conduct of ministers and senior public servants and pass a procurement act which will require the establishment of a central Tenders Board to award contracts and layout the procedures for competitive bidding.

“We will not only pass these acts but we intend to put in place proper mechanisms and systems to ensure these laws and regulations are respected and compiled with so that the people of Nevis could be assured that their tax dollars are well spent,” he said.

Parry referred to the previous administration [Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM)], as having no regard for accountability and transparency since their Cabinet had secretly increased minister’s salaries by 33 percent and did not take the matter to the Nevis Island Assembly or inform the public.

He said that Administration was aware that the Federal Parliament did not cover ministers of the Nevis Island Assembly, but nonetheless implemented the recommendations.

The Premier said, since taking up office five months ago, his Nevis Reformation Party led Administration had established a committee to review salaries and allowances paid to ministers of government in Nevis and its report is submitted, the government would seek the sanction of Parliament, in accordance with the regulations.

“The objectives of the exercise, is not to increase the salaries paid to Ministers but to ensure that the business of government is done the right way,” Parry said.