Virgin Islands moves to establish ethics commission amid concerns
July 19, 2024 | Rules and Judiciary , Committees , Legislative, Virgin Islands
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In a recent government meeting, key discussions centered around three proposed bills aimed at establishing a Commission on Ethics and Conflicts of Interest in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders, including Dr. Gwen Marie Molinar, president of the League of Women Voters, and Ian Clement, acting attorney general.
Dr. Molinar emphasized the importance of these bills, noting that the initiative for an ethics commission dates back to 1961. She expressed optimism about the current proposals, which are sponsored by Senators Kenneth Gittens, Franklin Johnson, and Marvin Blyden. The League of Women Voters supports the bills but raised concerns about the composition of the commission, suggesting a broader selection process to mitigate potential undue influence from high-level public officials.
Acting Attorney General Ian Clement provided insights on Bill 35-0227, which seeks to establish the commission. He highlighted the bill's alignment with national trends in governance but voiced reservations regarding its staffing and funding provisions. Clement pointed out that the Department of Justice is already understaffed and expressed concern that any shortfalls in the commission's resources could burden the department further. He recommended that the commission should have the authority to refer cases to the attorney general for prosecution, rather than sharing enforcement responsibilities.
Julie Smith Todman, chief territorial public defender, also testified, focusing on the implications of the proposed legislation for criminal penalties related to ethics violations. She raised constitutional concerns regarding certain provisions that could infringe on free speech rights, referencing a precedent set by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
The meeting underscored a collective effort to enhance ethical governance in the Virgin Islands, with stakeholders advocating for careful consideration of the proposed bills to ensure they effectively address conflicts of interest while safeguarding constitutional rights. The discussions reflect a significant step towards establishing a framework for ethical oversight in the territory's government operations.
Dr. Molinar emphasized the importance of these bills, noting that the initiative for an ethics commission dates back to 1961. She expressed optimism about the current proposals, which are sponsored by Senators Kenneth Gittens, Franklin Johnson, and Marvin Blyden. The League of Women Voters supports the bills but raised concerns about the composition of the commission, suggesting a broader selection process to mitigate potential undue influence from high-level public officials.
Acting Attorney General Ian Clement provided insights on Bill 35-0227, which seeks to establish the commission. He highlighted the bill's alignment with national trends in governance but voiced reservations regarding its staffing and funding provisions. Clement pointed out that the Department of Justice is already understaffed and expressed concern that any shortfalls in the commission's resources could burden the department further. He recommended that the commission should have the authority to refer cases to the attorney general for prosecution, rather than sharing enforcement responsibilities.
Julie Smith Todman, chief territorial public defender, also testified, focusing on the implications of the proposed legislation for criminal penalties related to ethics violations. She raised constitutional concerns regarding certain provisions that could infringe on free speech rights, referencing a precedent set by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
The meeting underscored a collective effort to enhance ethical governance in the Virgin Islands, with stakeholders advocating for careful consideration of the proposed bills to ensure they effectively address conflicts of interest while safeguarding constitutional rights. The discussions reflect a significant step towards establishing a framework for ethical oversight in the territory's government operations.
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