PM on public disclosures: 'I made my deadline'

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis.

As of Saturday, April 13, 2024

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis was tightlipped today over whether members of the governing party filed their public disclosures on or before the March 1 deadline as mandated under the Public Disclosure Act.

Acting press secretary Keisha Adderley had previously said the deadline this year was extended to March 31.

Another high-level source told The Tribune that an extension had been given this year to March 15, but could not give a reason for the decision.

Public Disclosure Commission chairman Bishop Victor confirmed that an extension was given to some parliamentarians who requested more time. However, he told The Tribune he did not remember who they were.

He still could not say how many had completed their filings.

Mr Davis did not confirm on Friday whether Progressive Liberal Party MPs met the March 1 deadline, or if extensions were given.

“I cannot say that," he said.

"Those questions I would direct you to ask to the commission itself so they could determine what it is. I’m not at liberty to disclose the private affairs of my members.”

Asked if he filed on or before March 1 deadline, Mr Davis answered: “I made my deadline.”

When asked whether it was before the March 1 deadline, he repeated: "I made my deadline."

Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell has declined to answer.

Mr Mitchell had previously said in the House of Assembly he was “irritated” by journalists contacting him, saying it was none of their business.

Last year, Bishop Cooper revealed that 90 percent of parliamentarians had filed by the March 1 deadline.

He added that many senators and senior civil servants failed to disclose their assets, income and liabilities. The names of those who missed the deadline were not revealed, and those filings have not been gazetted.

The Public Disclosure Act empowers the prime minister and the opposition leader to act concerning delinquent filings by forwarding the matter to the Office of the Attorney General for prosecution.

The penalty for not disclosing is a $10,000 fine and/or up to two years in prison.

TalRussell 2 weeks, 2 days ago

The premiership's exhibit serves as his excuse platform to showcase --- "As the crow flies, twistedly." --- Good Day!

ThisIsOurs 2 weeks, 2 days ago

"I’m not at liberty to disclose the private affairs of my members.”

But this isnt "private". A clue might be that it's called public disclosure.

The issue here might be that persons accept these positions without understanding their responsibilities, not have the requisite knowledge for the roles, executive experience or understanding and even knowledge of the code of conduct. Clearly these MPs have no idea how public disclosure statements factor into good governance and the proper running of the country. If they did Dr Minnis would not have been able to say, "its looked at as a joke". CNN and the NY Times need to carry that story along with the next black listing and the Bishops inability to count on his fingers and toes or a handy abacus, how many people out of 39 men and women are left to disclose

Porcupine 2 weeks, 1 day ago

Mr Mitchell had previously said in the House of Assembly he was “irritated” by journalists contacting him, saying it was none of their business. This sums up the attitude of most politicians. I believe that everything "governmental" should be known by the public. No secret nothing. These people are paid with OUR money. Amazing how they think they're something above the rest of us. These attitudes exemplify the minds of small people. Those who have no business involved with The People's business. Wonder what really keeps them in power?

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