Laroda tapped for PLP nomination
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — George Carey has been appointed the new chairman of the Public Disclosure Commission, replacing Myles LaRoda, who has held the position since 2015.
LaRoda tendered his resignation on February 18, according to a statement from the Cabinet Office.
The resignation came after he was tapped by the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) to contest the Pinewood constituency in the upcoming general election.
He is expected to be ratified by the party on Wednesday.
LaRoda was appointed to the commission in September 2015 under the Christie administration and replaced former Public Disclosure Commission Chairman Allan Benjamin.
Throughout his tenure, LaRoda made several calls on the government for greater powers and resources to properly carry out the duties of the body, including the ability to take legal action.
In a brief interview with Eyewitness News about his exit, LaRoda noted that “moving forward, the commission should be more independent”.
He said he truly hopes the government will consider the recommendations put forth by the commission, which was based on a 2015 report.
The Public Disclosure Act mandates members of Parliament, senators, senior public officers and public appointees to declare their assets, income and liabilities as of December 31 of each year.
The act provides for a $10,000 fine or imprisonment of a term not exceeding two years, or both, for anyone who violates it.
While in opposition, Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said MPs who failed to comply with the law and make their financial disclosures should be locked up.
However in 2019, three parliamentarians failed to make their financial disclosures within the legally stipulated time frame and had to be given extensions.
However, since Minnis came into office, no action has been taken against any parliamentarian who failed to comply.
In 2017, the government tabled the Integrity Commission Bill, which would repeal the Public Disclosure Act and impose a fine and possible imprisonment on parliamentarians who fail to disclose their assets.
However, there has been no movement on the proposed legislation to date.
The bill also makes provisions to establish an anti-corruption body and a code of conduct for people in public life.
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