Walwyn slams integrity bill over conflict provisions

Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn has criticised the Integrity in Public Life Amendment Bill for containing provisions he suggested were unnecessary and could potentially get public officials into trouble.

Speaking in the House of Assembly recently, Walwyn highlighted its potential to cause significant issues for public officials. The Integrity in Public Life Bill, which aims to regulate the conduct of public officials to ensure transparency and accountability, has been controversial. While some laud its intent, others, like Walwyn, warn of its possible implications.

He pointed to the section on gifts and benefits, arguing that this is so stringent that it might prevent officials from accepting anything perceived as a benefit, thereby stifling customary exchanges that form part of the BVI’s socio-cultural fabric. “Why is that even there? Sometimes you go from one area to the next, another country, you do a little exchange of a cultural something, and you could get caught up in the Integrity legislation for that simple cordial thing,” Walwyn stated.