Was it a Difficult Undertaking to Find a Suitable Replacement for Integrity Chair?

Valerie Woods

Opposition Senator Valerie Woods acknowledged the challenges in naming a candidate for the post. She, however, raised concerns with the inordinate length of time the process actually took.

Valerie Woods, P.U.P. Senator

“I do want to recognize the statement that the Attorney General made, that it has been difficult, I think Senator Peyrefitte said, to find somebody who is able and willing, you know, to chair the Integrity Commission.  That indeed, is concerning.  It is very obvious that Mrs. Deshawn Arzu-Torres will be affirmed and I do wish her all the best in her efforts.  My concern here, which I’d like to place on record, is that the last time, I believe, it did take a significantly long time to find a chairperson for this commission and while that person was in place, I am not aware, perhaps the Leader of Government Business could clarify, but I’m not aware that we made any steps towards Section 7-1 which was to fill those posts that the law provides for and that I am sure Mrs. Deshawn Arzu-Torres will need, her along with her fellow commissioners.  So I put on record, certainly with the support of the Senate’s urging, if some attempt can be made to get that going because while there may be or we may have difficulty finding somebody that is willing and able, certainly if the secretariat itself was beefed up the way it should be as provided by law, the other commissioners can continue.”