Government?has decided to take a step back with its much touted anti-corruption bill.
Yesterday, shortly after it was introduced by Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite, MPs agreed to refer the bill to a joint select committee of both Houses of Parliament.
This development came after Opposition lead spokesman Dale Marshall raised a number of objections to elements of the bill and suggested that it be reviewed.
It was after Marshall took his seat that Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy said: “Mr Speaker we the members of this side recognize the far-reaching implications of this bill, and recognizing the contribution of the official spokesman of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, I?wish to move that this bill be considered by a select committee of Parliament.”
There was a brief discussion afterwards and Speaker Michael Carrington promptly suspended the sitting for ten minutes so Government MPs could discuss the terms of reference of the select committee.
On their return, Brathwaite this time told the Speaker: “I?would like to move a motion that the joint committee be comprised of seven members from the Lower House and five members from the Upper House, the terms of reference and composition to be provided at the next sitting of the House of Assembly.”
Earlier before this dramatic turn of events, Brathwaite had indicated that the Government had no difficulty with Members of Parliament declaring their assets and liabilities but had some difficulties with the section that required persons in public life to make an annual declaration.