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There is no doubt that it is unethical for Dr. Shallow to remain the President of Cricket West Indies and assume the position of Minister of Tourism. However, the laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines do not make it unlawful. In more developed Caricom states like Trinidad and Jamaica, there is Integrity in Public Life legislation which would preclude this act. Only once in the history of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has any attempt been made to introduce Integrity Legislation, in the 2009 referendum. This was rejected wholesale by the people. Given Dr. Shallow’s predicament, it is therefore unlikely that Dr. Friday would consider the passage of Integrity Legislation as this would definitely add to the call for Dr. Shallow to demit office as CWI President. So in the continued absence of this legislation, Dr. Shallow will continue to have his cake and eat it too!
This may not be concerning to most vincentians, particularly since such a great majority elected the NDP on November 27. The majority of the electorate will see him as a stellar son of the soil whose educational prowess has elevated him to these heights; and he should be allowed to enjoy the fruits of his labour. But is there a case for a balance? How do we implement a robust Citizenship by Investment program according to the Deputy Prime Minister in the absence of Integrity Legislation? These programs are rife with corruption. We saw the Al Jazeera Investigations expose – Diplomats for sale. Will there be guardrails against these levels of corruption?
Dr. Shallow should not be rushed into making this decision. Dr. Friday however needs to have this discussion with Dr. Shallow, especially if as promised, Integrity Legislation is forthcoming. The election results of November 27 prove that the electorate is increasingly educated; making conscious and wise decisions. Do not take them for granted.
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One News SVG 