The Register of Interests (Amendment) Act, 2007 was passed during the Fourth Sitting of the First Session of the First House of Assembly held on December 27.

The Bill received its second and third readings, followed by its discussion clause by clause during the committee stage before it was passed.

The Bill was brought before the then Legislative Council more than a year ago but did not come into effect as the Registrar was not appointed.

Speaking in the House of Assembly, Premier Ralph T. O’Neal said the Bill is an important one and “shows and says that members of the House of Assembly who are leaders in this country are not afraid to disclose their [personal] interest”.

The Premier said it is equally important for people to know, that their representatives are not afraid to disclose interest so that they would know if there is a conflict of interest in what is being proposed to do in the country.

O’Neal said his interests are in Government organisations, VISAR, Humane Society, Church and schools and therefore, if any legislation is being considered, it would be known that he has interests in those organisations.

“I believe that elected members must try and run a clean ship. This bill does not prevent from having businesses or shares in businesses or companies but you disclose them so that people would know,” O’Neal pointed out.

The Bill is expected to take effect very soon, according to the Premier and he disclosed that a Registrar has been identified but not yet appointed.

Deputy Premier Dancia Penn-Sallah Q.C. seconded the second and third readings of the Bill.

The Deputy Premier said she was pleased to stand in support of such a measure. She disclosed that such a measure was long coming.

In giving a historical perspective of it, she stated that a Bill with a similar name was introduced to the House and had its first reading in 1994.

It was brought by Omar Hodge and seconded by Walwyn Brewley but died while he was in the committee.

According to the Deputy Premier, the last Legislative Council now House of Assembly, “revived a Bill or brought a Bill” that was introduced on March 30 2006, and complete the remaining stages on May 30 2006. The bill provides in section one for the then Chief Minister to bring it in effect within six months.

Most of the house representatives stood up and voiced their support of the Bill.

Minister for Education and Culture Andrew Fahie said he supports the Bill 110 percent and prays that it will serve its intended purpose.

Deputy Speaker Keith Flax said such a Bill will alleviate any doubts that people may have about their representatives.

Vernon Malone said it shows transparency and sets the right tone for proper governance.

It shows that leaders of the country are leading by example said Territorial-at-Large representative Irene Penn O’Neal.

Not a new bill

Seventh District representative Dr. Kedrick Pickering and member of the Opposition said the Bill is a very short one that deals specifically with procedural changes of a Bill that had already been passed in the House.

He said the amendment is simply making changes.

“All we are doing is making corrections in terms of what is written there and when it is coming into play,” Dr. Pickering said.

Meanwhile, three other Bills received their first readings.

The Bill “Insurance Act 2007” was read for the first time. The “Drug Trafficking Offences (Amendment) Act, 2007” was also introduced and read for the first time, along with the “Proceeds of Criminal Conduct (Amendment) Act, 2007”.

The three bills will be explained in their second readings.

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