Avellon Williams
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – Amid Guyana’s economy growing faster than almost anywhere else in the world, five new people were sworn in as members of the country’s Integrity Commission, an independent agency responsible for screening the assets of public officials and investigating corruption.
The appointment of the commission, which has not operated for some time, will focus attention on officials involved in regulating and overseeing Guyana’s oil and gas sector, which generates unprecedented levels of revenue.
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The President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, witnessed the swearing-in of acting Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman on Tuesday at the President’s Office in Georgetown.
Director Chandra Gajraj of Demerara Bank limited and general secretary of Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha was appointed to chair the commission.
In addition to serving as Director and Company Secretary of Demerara Bank Limited, Gajraj serves as General Secretary of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha. Other commissioners include Kim-Kyte Thomas, Mohamed Hanif, Hardesh Tewari, and Wayne Bowman.
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As part of periodic requests, public office holders are required to declare their assets to the office. The Integrity Commission Act permits it to publish in newspapers a list of individuals who failed to declare their assets by the specified deadline, as previous appointees to the commission have done.
Ultimately, persons who fail to declare their assets can be fined and jailed.
