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**HUH** » 2011-09-12 21:28

You sound like a fool! How is this piece a conflict?

**Deep Roots** » 2011-09-12 20:40

Corruption is a cancer that plagues political officials in every corner of planet earth. If left untreated, this cancer can destroy the basic principle of democracy as we know it. Fact is, the seeds of corruption in a political environment bears such fruits as greed, self interest, and false pretense. As a result, the ones who suffer the most, are those who were coerced to believe in the politicians who promised that they would get them to the promise land of economic freedom. There are no exceptions inclusive of Antigua, who have lead their people to a public fight straight into an impoverished plight to no where... :cry:

**Observer Overseas** » 2011-09-12 15:34

I have no doubt we have corrupt public officials. I am equally convinced that not all public officials are corrupt. The problem in A&B is that corruption is hardly ever proved and most of what we know is anecdotal. In spite of "28 years of corruption" under ALP, there are very few cases of anyone being prosecuted or any credible evidence made available to the public to support claims of corruption. This neither benefits society or the accused. The behavior and values of our public officials simply reflect our society. Those us with "friends" in customs or who "pull strings" to get our child assigned to the right school need to ask ourselves if we are not part of the problem. It takes more than a change in government tackle corruption - although that helps. It needs to be tackled as a wider societal issue.

**fnpsr** » 2011-09-12 11:32

Morris, I thank you for the correction. I know you would be a solid team menber (lol).

"Let's fix the little things before we attempt to fix the big things."

**Morris** » 2011-09-12 11:08

I agree with your response to Tenman; however, I just want to make a correction: Congressman Rangel's property was in the Dominican Republic.

**fnpsr** » 2011-09-12 10:59

Foreigner, well said!!

"Let's fix the little things before we attempt to fix the big things."

**Foreigner** » 2011-09-12 10:10

The owner is not a journalist. He has written an article that caught his concern under "Opinion Article" All the other Opnion Writers are certainly not journalists. To name a few Dr. Simon. Dr. Newton, Rolston Pompey

**Foreigner** » 2011-09-12 10:04

In my country, Anyone that lives above his means is subject to scrutiny. If you are a plumber but live like a miljonair you will be scrutinize first by the IRS and then the rest. This type of independent action by these institutions is necessary in the wake of drug-running money laundring etc. We all know the salaries of our politicians yet they live like miljonaires and build big houses within a four year period that they are in office. You do not need to be a rocket scientist to understand that something is wrong. And because nothing is done this than sets the stage for upcomming youth to want to walk in the same foot steps

**Skyewill** » 2011-09-12 09:07

His writing style is fine. It’s just that, his. It is clear and obvious that he has done research and has not laid down the real issue as yet but is preparing the reader for an even more interesting climax. I hope what will happen is he will give insight into why we have certain issues and allow us to evaluate ways of fixing them. When the publisher writes, it is expected for it to be of a high caliber and impacting on society. I am expecting something great in the end. Maybe he will jar someone’s sense of morality, and invoke a deeper love for country and therefore act to stamp out this scourge call corruption. IMPOSSIBLE IS TEMPORARY.

**Skyewill** » 2011-09-12 08:38

it is amazing but great minds do think. We were just discussing coruption Friday night and concluded that is is the reason why there is so much unfinish business/projec ts and also consluded that is is why the economy is in the state it is in and the reason for high taxes. Mr. Shaked, Thanks in advance. Maybe we will rename Mount Obama after you one day!Tenman mark my word..IMPOSSIBL E IS TEMPORARY! @JP Farnsworth - "after these messages, we'll be right back "

**John French II** » 2011-09-12 01:19

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. The "Flames" have surely Stirred Up The Biting Ants' Nests. Why is it that only a child could see that The Emperor was naked as a whore without a string on a rainny and windy night while the Courtiers, Hangers On and Apologists would see him dressed in the finest strutting his stuff as a whore at one of the local stables. Have Mercy Pon Us. Here is the rub: "This article is an introduction to a series of articles describing this conflict of interest. It is important to note that the government of Antigua & Barbuda has never had control over corrupt acts taking place on the island." Finally for those who are scared to peep behind the cutain for fear of seeing the underbelly and the action, here is the skinny: In Business, in National Affairs, Don't get angry, Get Even. As Rabble Rouser says "I come in Peace! I leave in Peace! Heaven help our Political Elite, Statutory Boards filled with Political Appointees struggling with Human Capacity, our Civil Servants adrift while been buffeted by Globalization and Technology and a Population Living in The IMF's NEST of decaying twigs in the Nation of Antigua & Barbuda including Redonda.

**outofantigua** » 2011-09-12 01:11

Encourage positive thinking our youths must learn how to create oppertunities for them- selfs. learn networking and how to develop and market your ideas,some of us are trade people but have no organizing skills, we dont have to do it all by ourselves, through a network we can find just the help we need.2 or 3 venders should join together ,open a store you will be able to handle your overheads {e-g] rents and utillities, to build a bigger and more productive buisness. some of us are willing to start ,but dont think we have enough buisiness sense and is afraid to seek advise.there are good people out there who are willing to guide you especially our seniors. The world is mine.but you wont get it by just dreaming.The government can only do so much. check with the chamber of commerce.Employ ment angencies could be created to find jobs for others thats a good start for students just out of colledge networking people.

**fnpsr** » 2011-09-12 00:41

Tenman, when a public official lifestyle, i.e., houses, cars, clothes, business opportunities, apartment complexes, supermarkets and the like, changes drasticallys and his income does not support it, a light bulb should go off and an investigation should be conducted.

When you are a public official, your life is an open book and there should be secret to your financial dealings. Therefore you have to disclose everything.

“Let’s fix the little things before we attempt to fix the big things.”

**fnpsr** » 2011-09-12 00:38

Tenman, thanks for your input. The problem that I see is that the laws are written in such a way as to give the officials wiggle room or loopholes. Since you mention the US, I thought I would clarify. The issue is full disclosure. It does not mean disclosing assets in the US only. You might remember Congressman Rangle who got into trouble for not disclosing certain assets and not reporting rent money on certain properties. If my memory serves me well, I believe that some of his properties were in the Bahamas.

You might also presidential candidate John Edwards who got into trouble for allegedly using campaign funds to support a mistress and did not report it. You might also remember Congressman Delay who was convicted for improper use of campaign funds.

Tenman, in the US the information is disclosed subject to perjury for willful omission. I can’t say the same for Antigua.

**outofantigua** » 2011-09-12 00:24

Its time we get past these cripling handy-caps. We all are afraid of failure so we just dont take the chance, this is a handycap. We dont trust one another so we keep our succesfull formulars to ourselves, stifling our growth,this also is a handycap. the old antiguan cultural addage of (you're not getting rich off me,(an institutional case of bad mind.)this too is another hanycap.But the sky is the limit brothers and sisters reach for it.we still have a country to build.& yes u can, open your minds.

**tenman** » 2011-09-11 22:43

fnpsr I felt the need to make this clear: Though I agree and the Integrity in public life act stipulates that a public official must disclose his assets and liabilities to the commission, the act itself stipulates that you have to have a reason to investigate the persons (show cause). Why the court decided against allowing access was because enough evidence was not provided to justify why. Try and remember that the action taken was a civil matter and did not involve the integrity commission. This again is where random audits could come in handy. Even in the US, where public officials are concerned, can anyone have access to the bank account of public officials without showing cause?
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**Plain Truth** » 2011-09-11 22:30

Insightful, provocative, a reality check are just some of the ways I would describe this article. I can' wait to read the follow up articles which shoul make some apologists cringe when real conflicts are brought to light. For far too long in our country it has been a case of who does it and not what is done.
Let' take the example of the Ambassador who had lead responsibilitie s for the stadium construction and who ensured that the roads leading to and around personal lands in the area were oiled and drains built only to increase the value of said lands. No sooner that this was done, plots went on the market and the entire estate was put on sale. For me, this represents a classic case of conflict of interest and feathering ones nest.

**fnpsr** » 2011-09-11 21:24

John Terry, I agree with you. The Integrity Act needs to have teeth. It makes no sense to have the Act if it will not be adhered to. As I said before, I would remove the secrecy provision of the Act so everyone can know what is going on. I agree it is not rocket science. All you have to do is require all public officials, subject to perjury, to submit a public financial disclosure form indicating assets and liabilities. How one can go from a beggar one day to a prince the next is beyond my comprehension.

I recall some time ago having a discussion with Tenman about a public official not wanting to disclose cash in a foreign bank, because the Act only referred to banks in Antigua. The ironic part of it was the courts agreed with him.

It appears that we have come full circle!

“Let’s fix the little things before we attempt to fix the big things.”

**john terry** » 2011-09-11 20:40

It is really quite simple - we all know what the various people in power HAD before they came into office and with a couple of exceptions, we can all SEE what they now have - even flaunt in front of us.Even some of the high up Managers and Board members (some on 4 or 5 boards!) are not ashamed to show it! Being as the various salaries are also not a secret-it is not rocket science to see that the vast majority could NOT have what they have today without some form of corruption being involved!!

**Antiguan Woman** » 2011-09-11 20:19

You always seem to have all the Evidence and facts,why not take them to the authorities and have them act upon.You are an IDIOT.

**Morris** » 2011-09-11 18:16

Thanks! I am always ready to help.

**fnpsr** » 2011-09-11 17:33

Morris, you have made some very interesting points. I will put you on my team any day. I called for some of those actions in the past. However, you and I know that this will not happen unless there is a new group of politicians who would like to put the island first.

“Let’s fix the little things before we attempt to fix the big things.”

**CountryMan** » 2011-09-11 17:18

Given that the Freedom of Information Office is as dysfunctional as the Integrity Commission, hold your breaths waiting for the factual articles detailing conflict of interest.
Many times conflict of interest comes about when the laws and regulations are not enforced in an evenhanded way. As a leading source of news just as this caribarena addresses the subject of conflict of interest; it need to look internally where bias reporting can have a more delirious and corrosive effect on a society as government officials conflict of interest

**Buzzbomb** » 2011-09-11 16:15

Tenman, I agree with you and enjoyed reading the links.
I must say I am ashamed that we have been continually falling behind our neighbouring islands over the past few years.
As citizens, we should demand that an integrity commission be set up in Antigua & Barbuda, however after seeing the nonsense going on at the electoral commission, I am skeptical of it's effectiveness at this time.

**Southern Beauty** » 2011-09-11 16:12

Fellow Antiguans, this goes BEYOND present or former government. This is an Antiguan thing! Don't get caught up in someone's agenda to keep you politicking while all you have is being stolen. ANTIGUANS STAND UP!

**Southern Beauty** » 2011-09-11 16:08

Corruption is no more prevalent here than in any other country - have we forgotten a war waged in the Middle East in the name of 911 retaliation by a US President whose friends and partners in the oil business benefited directly and did nothing to capture the mastermind of the 911 attack. As we're in a small society we are all more closely related to incidents and occurrences. I do agree that an unbiased press would be a wonderful addition to our mix as it does not exist now. Laws will not change our issues, we have the laws in place already. There is a history and a culture that has to be refocused. That can only be born and initiated by Antiguans. This is not one for "the white man's burden" to as usual, help us poor little niggers find the light while they enrich themselves. Would love to see your future discussion focus on cultural reform - a people rising up to save themselves! So sick and tired of the trojan horses!

**Theorist** » 2011-09-11 15:37

Investigative reporting has the potential to unearth information that will allow citizens to **s a situation and then determine a course of action. It takes work and dedication and the study and questions of public documents and officials to get information. Problem is many are allowed to get away with innuendos and assumptions. Give us the facts. I don't want to hear that minister X stole money I want a paper trail, I don't want to hear there is conflict of interest and nepotism show evidence. Sometimes is takes years to break a real story not a few days and by the way ranting and fuming about another persons opinion is hardly a way to answer the complexities of life.

**Morris** » 2011-09-11 15:00

I do believe that simple referendums on important matters could help to clear up the "conflict of interest/corrup tion" cloud that lingers over ANU.

**outofantigua** » 2011-09-11 14:25

what a load of crock. this is unbelievable your countrymen are suffering, there's homelessness, hunger & joblessness and all u interlectuals can come up with is defining the w o r d coruption give me a break here, even the dunce knows what the word means, it can be sumed up with two words. SELFISHNESS & GREED. maybe u fellows think u r teaching class, but this whole article does not contribute Squat, to the needs of the people.if this is all u got then your interest is heavily conflicted. most of the people who's reading your editorial are not in a position to change their situation by learning what coruption is or is'nt.

**Morris** » 2011-09-11 14:13

I am rather surprised that some posters are asking the writer to "produce evidence" to the very same things that many of us have commented on in prior posts. Well, here are a few that they can address starting tomorrow:
* Establish and enforce a law or policy against politicians actively practicing law while in office.
* Establish and enforce a law against government contracts being awarded to firms that are owned by, or affilliated, with any government official.
* Establish and enforce mandatory financial disclosure by ALL politicians prior to holding office, during their tenure in office, and for a period of time after leaving office, to ensure that their acquired wealth is withing reason.
* Establish and enforce a law against politicians being involved in the staffing (recruiting, hiring & firing, promoting & demoting, etc) of civil servants.
* Establish a means for citizens to have unfettered and unadulterated access to crucial information such as, financial reports, contract agreements, etc.
* Allow the Police, Electoral Commission and the Courts to operate without any political influence.

**tenman** » 2011-09-11 14:12

Why was Rolston Potter removed from APUA and Clavis Jospeh moved to APUA. The judge Don Mitchell report clearly stated that Potter had a conflict and should be removed. The government (UPP) itself acknowledged that there was a conflict and removed Potter. I would suggest persons who are fool hardly to think that there were no conflict of interest cases after 2004 to take a read of the report at donmitchellcbeqc.blogspot.com/2006/02/4-apua-report-14-december-2005.html or google "APUA Report, 14 December 2005 " if the link does not work.
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**tenman** » 2011-09-11 14:03

I have read the suggestions that the author should stick to his day job but like anyone of us can write opinion pieces and have them published via this medium, why can't the CEO? In addition, persons forget that though the owner of Daily Observer hardly ever writes editorials or such he has a show 5 days a week that is centered on his opinions. I view this as an opinion piece which is further amplified by the fact that its filed under opinion.

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**tenman** » 2011-09-11 13:58

fnspr well said. An added message from the dominican act is that they do not have the powers to initiative an investigation on their own like the Trinidad act. I recall our discussing where Antigua is concerned the need for random audits. The Antiguan act itself (my reading) also has to wait for a report. I emphasize the Dominica experience because in looking for solutions I think we should try and learn from other countries. I agree with all that this body must be independent. The way it is now it more seems like an arm of government whose purpose is to protect government. Unlike the DPP, this person is not chosen by an independent body (Judicial Service Commission) but by the government itself.

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**Tobi** » 2011-09-11 13:44

I would agree but...how do we elect objective, independent-of- politics people? I would advocate a REGIONAL body (appointed or elected) by the CCJ? (just a thought), to do the work of Electoral Commissions with a standard electoral constitution in all the Caricom (OECS?) countries with the inherent processes for appeals, registrations, etc.

**fnpsr** » 2011-09-11 12:44

Eric, the problem in Antigua is that we see things as red or blue. If we would see things as they are, Antigua would be a much better island, if not one of the best. Surely, the writer is talking about many things you enumerated; corruption is corruption no matter which ruling body is engaged in it.

As I have stated before the writer says he will give some examples in his next article. My hope is that the writer will give a balanced approach to his article detailing both red and blue’s suspected corruption and conflict of interest. Anything less would surely discredit the writer. Let’s wait for the next series of articles before we jump off the cliff.

“Let’s fix the little things before we attempt to fix the big things.”

**fnpsr** » 2011-09-11 12:31

Tobi, I agree with you for the most part, but instead of “appointing” people, let’s elect them.

"Let's fix the little things before we attempt to fix the big things."

**fnpsr** » 2011-09-11 12:17

JP, It appears that the writer and I believe he holds himself out as CEO of Caribarena, will now report on all suspected misconduct in government (red & blue)

“Let’s fix the little things before we attempt to fix the big things.”

**fnpsr** » 2011-09-11 12:17

JP Farnsworth, Let’s not shoot the messenger. As I was reading the article, I was telling myself that the writer should have included some examples. But as I got to the end I was relieved to read, that the writer said, “In my next article, we will discuss examples of conflicts of interest and the impact they have on the government, the economy, and the public.”

With reference to Watergate, what everyone talks about is the “end result”, as you are doing here. What no one ever talks about are the months of investigative reporting done by the two Washington Post reporters.

It is a well-known fact that the press in Antigua has been stymied and as result of this the government (red & blue) have been given a free pass to roam as they like because reporters are afraid to report on suspected governmental (red & blue) misconduct for fear of reprisal. I recall a blogger indicating that a non-national reporter was deported because he stepped on a few toes.

**Eric** » 2011-09-11 12:08

What kind of proof does this character Ofer Shaked have when he declares that “----- many corrupt acts take place in Antigua & Barbuda” and “Antigua plagued by conflicts of interest”? If he is referring to the period prior to 2004 under the several ALP/Bird administrations dating back to the late 1950s then of course he has a point. – the sending of arms to South Africa to help in the oppression of black people, the transhipment of arms to South and Central America to assist the Drug Lords to kill innocent people, the various shady characters they brought here that were used to assist them to fill their private bank accounts, the Vescos, the Raparports. The issuing of Passports to Chinese nationals, the most recent “ IHI rip-off” where millions of dollars were taken from our treasury to private Bank Accounts all over the World. Not to be forgotten is the APUA FUNDING schemes where monies again passed to private pockets.

**St. Philips North** » 2011-09-11 12:00

the question is, where is our government in th sunshine going on it's 8 years in control of Antigua and Barbuda. A and B has is not better off because of this government, we need a change bad! bad! Bad!

**fnpsr** » 2011-09-11 11:56

Countryman, with all due respect, I disagree with you. While the conflict of interest and corruption in Antigua may not be worse than in any other country, let’s focus on Antigua and strive to make it better.

I do not believe the headline is sensational. I believe this is something that most Antiguans and the world over are aware of. The reasons why the various departments may not be function properly is the very essence of the article – corruption, conflict of interest, nepotism, the buddy system and the like.

“Let’s fix the little things before we attempt to fix the big things.”

**fnpsr** » 2011-09-11 11:46

Tenman, I agree with you. You know that you and I have debated the Integrity Act in the past. The problem I had with it then and still do today is the secretive nature of the Act. As I said before, I believe that the information provided should be public and so that it could be independently verified. Anything less would not improve the Act. Merely publishing a report, which does not tell you anything, is a waste of time and money.

“Let’s fix the little things before we attempt to fix the big things.”

**YOUTH ELIJAH** » 2011-09-11 11:37

Agreed... No doubt, they have at least some level of reporting, but as a youth "THE WILL" for transparent and accountable reporting across the board, both from within government and externally for citizens from government is a huge challenge that needs to be overcome in Antigua & Barbuda if we are ever to realize true democracy which in turn would breed good governance....

Funny thing for this to happen overcoming conflict of interest comes into play all over again... politicians have conflict in educating the people (constitution, gazette, civics etc) cause then the people will know what should be right and wrong and in turn will hold politicians accountable... Likewise many people both high and low know what some politicians are doing is ethically wrong but have conflict with standing to lose the benefits that such unethical practices bring to them despite all the negatives left on the majority of society... :cry:

hmmm choices...

**Tobi** » 2011-09-11 11:27

As mentioned by others, Antigua, a small place, does not possess exclusivity on corruption. If a politician excludes himself/herself from the process to allow for transparency, there is always family & friends to profit, etc. A crucial antidote to corruption in A&B is changing government on a regular basis (to be defined). Hence the need to avoid family rule at all costs, as well as long serving heads of government or Parties in government. These lead to deep-seated and entrenched corruption. Most importantly we need a completely independent & fearless Electoral Commission. We can hardly attempt to achieve this major feat by appointing people who are well known for supporting either of the Parties. Finally, we need to prosecute any infractions of the legal processes that maintain such a healthy democracy.

**Truth** » 2011-09-11 11:26

A prime example of conflict of interest was Errol Cort being paid a retainer by Stanford of 7 times his ministerial salary. Dr Cort's ministry the FSRC was supposed to be regulating Stanford international bank but instead the chairman stands accused of alleged accepting bribes, while conveniently no investigation of Dr Court's role has been forth coming.

Let us not forget the report into the FSRC which was conveniently suppressed from the public while at the same time our PM Mr Spencer told us all was well within the FSRC and no further action was required.

If it walks like a duck, swims like a duck and quacks like a duck.....its probably a duck!

**Dig It** » 2011-09-11 11:23

Imagine you have an violent altercation with someone, in which, one of the police coming to arrest you is the sister of the person you have this altercation with. Well, this is what happened to Teacher, Tracy Jarvis-Pelle, at All Saints Primary School, with another employee. Accordingly, the teacher claims “her womb dropped” due to police brutality at the hands of All Saints Police.http://www.antiguaobserver.com/?p=16737
I mentioned this because I have seen a similiar incident sometime ago. All conflicts whether personal or financial need to be carefully examined but that is not the case in this country because is so rooted in the fabric of society! It will take a magic formula of some sort!

**Jumbee Picknee** » 2011-09-11 11:15

Greetings folks, I still remember the days of the birth regarding our present political system. I was but a child, however, I would attend the political gatherings with my aunt who was a secretary for the AT&LU's eastern district. I had no idea what was taking place but there was a word that Hurst, Freeland, Bird, Walters, Halstead etc. would use to greet & address each other, "COMRADE". I have since learned, that, this was the typical fashion in which members of the communist party greeted each other. Yet, I, like the rest of you, are constantly bamboozled by the rhetoric of democracy(DEMON OCRAY), and so, here in lies our dilema's and conflict's. The main question is, "is it the system that is in conflict or those that are entwined in it?" The answer's lies in the fact, that, we are intricately linked as a people, similar to a siamese twin, so, to us political surgeons, do we operate to seperate or do we let the "unhealthy offspring" of the copulation of 'democracy, socialism and communism' continue to gobble us like fodder.
me garne, auntie Roachie, a wey u dey? me member, wen u duz say...

**Dig It** » 2011-09-11 11:11

As John French said "Capital has no permanent Friends, Allies, States, Only Permanent Interests." It is only fair or at least tend to be, when self-interest is deeply involved. At times (most of times I should say), the public official use a third party in order to remote him or herself from the decision-making process to reap the financial rewards. There is no secret that we have a history of conflict of interest in Antigua that can be easily found with the right telescope? Whether it is on a board, oversight committee or any positions in government (especially the one in which we see the appointment of a man that has strings around him that can easily be pulled)! Antigua has a long way to go, and needs to put serious measures in place to stamp out corruption, and stop pretending we have one!

**Shanunette Prince** » 2011-09-11 10:48

Just like Winston Derrick who owns The Daily Observer is not a journalist and does not write articles in His paper, likewise Mr Shaked, the owner of Caribarena should stick to his area of ownership and leave the writing for the trained and skilled writers that he has hired to do so. You cant be both owner and journalist Ofer!!

**Theorist** » 2011-09-11 10:44

Your assumption that there is conflict of interest and corruption is noble but lacks evidence. In order to convince a public of this assumption you must provide evidence and not just good oratory. Micheal Moore, in his 2009 "Capitalism: A love story" is a reasonable example of investigative reporting. I'm not bashing this author but am demanding research or else you may only be adding to the challenges that may already exist in our lovely country.

**Antiguan Abroad** » 2011-09-11 10:37

Mr. Shaked's article touches on some important social issues that need to be properly explored and tackled. However, the writing style here is lacking, to say the least. The writer makes several broad statements or propositions without adequate background or follow up. It's more than likely a matter of an undeveloped writing style.....at least for articles of this type. And, as 'Countryman' implies, when Mr. Shaked, the publisher/owner of Caribarena, adopts a position that may be deemed “political” by some, his motivations may bear increased scrutiny. So, to sum up, leave the political commentating to others (especially those intellectuals with real expertise in the subject matter) and continue to supply the medium for such activities...wh ich up to this point you have done....and for which I continue to commend you.

**Pure Antigua** » 2011-09-11 10:31

Just look at the appointment of shipping tycoon CLavis as port chairman. Did he and his abi group try to take over the port! Did the port recover after that ordel.?
Why then was the port overdraft canceled at abi

and Cub had to rescue the port with a 40m loan"". The same man was then promoted to run Apua and the buys bencorp for 12 m only to rebuild it for another 13 m. apua"s dept went up to $150'ooo,ooo. Under his watch :oops:

More conflict of interest to come"""...

**Marco Polo** » 2011-09-11 10:14

In an independent nation the size of A&B, conflicts are inevitable. The article (albeit the first one in a promised series) appears to recognize this fact. The question is how does the society manage disclosure of those conflicts (it should be required if it is not already) so that the conflicts are apparent and vetted by a body such as the IC. However, more than a "report is needed"- a real process needs to be established with continuing investigations of the conflicts with public reports concerning such conflicts and recommendations to Parliament concerning actions for resolving those conflicts (recusal, trustee management of business interests, etc.) and required action by Parliament so that politicians can be held accountable for waivers of the conflicts. Yeah, I can dream.... but a fully open system is needed with constant oversight.

**tenman** » 2011-09-11 10:08

Elijah www.dominica.gov.dm/cms/files/integrity_commission_second_annual_report_2010.pdf here is the report from the Dominica commission for 2010. Note that they created this commission some five years after us (2009 ours was in 2004). The report points out some weaknesses especially when it comes to lack of funds. It also shows that there are persons who did not file and some who did not properly file. However, at least it shows unlike ours, though challenged, they actually do some work

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**JP Farnsworth** » 2011-09-11 09:57

I love when a reporter pulls out a gun and shoots us in the foot with fabrications and no facts. It's like the guy with so many problems he's ready to tell you "You know what your problem is?"
Do you yell fire just to see who will jump out the window?
Do some real reporting, show me proof. Watergate had tapes what have you got? I hate people that bash my Antigua with nothing more than rumor and "Assumptions"

**YOUTH ELIJAH** » 2011-09-11 08:58

Tenman, as you rightfully said the IC should be that independent body, but it in itself is riddled with conflict of interest, from the people appointed to work in there to the very building they occupy... In my search for democracy mechanisms in Antigua & Barbuda I had went to investigate what the Integrity Commission was and if it even functioned... Firstly its located on High Street, "RENTING" on the bottom floor of the former Swiss American bank, mind you the building belongs to deputy governor general... :lester: secondly when you asked what happens to public officials who do not report - they are warned and asked to comply... :sigh:

thirdly the members who make up the commission are as ofer pointed out are connected at the top and hold other jobs so the IC purpose is second priority....

Ofer timely article and very telling.. i look forward to the next

**CountryMan** » 2011-09-11 08:07

There is most likely consensus among the public of the existence of conflict of interest, even to a level most of us find disturbing. The conflict of interest issue in Antigua and Barbuda is not any worse that it is in Israel.
Rather than the sensational headline and this hit piece that smears an entire country, you should raising the question as to why the various institutions of Government does not seem to function.
Good governance goes hand in hand with a press that is fair and balanced. A politicized press breeds corruption, and your headline reflect that.

**tenman** » 2011-09-10 22:54

The body that was to help curtail this issue was the integrity commissions who were empowered by the integrity in public life Act. Sadly this body exists only on paper. While these bodies in Dominica and Trinidad are pretty much active, in Antigua they make no public statement and though required to submit a yearly report, it is yet to be laid before the house and may not have even been submitted to the minister (www.laws.gov.ag/acts/2004/a2004-23.pdf):

29. (1) The Commission shall prepare and submit to the Annual reports.
Minister on or before June 30th in each year a report on the
activities of the Commission during the preceeding year and its
audited accounts.
(2) A copy of the report together with the auditor's report shall
be laid before the House of Representatives at the sitting following
the receipt of the report.
..

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