Watson: MP’s Failure To Declare ‘Simple Oversight’

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A simple oversight is how the failure of sitting MP’s to declare their assets is being labelled.

After it was revealed that several members of Parliament failed to declare their assets as mandated by law, Press Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister Clint Watson said he suspects it was a simple oversight on the part of the MPs.

Public Disclosure Commission Chairman Bishop Victor Cooper told the National Review that extensions were granted in some cases as some new members were “not aware” of the legal requirement.

The Public Disclosure Act mandates that every senator and member of Parliament provide to the Public Disclosure Commission a declaration of assets, income, and liabilities up to December 31 by March 1.

The act at section 15 also empowers the commission to extend the time for the filing of declarations for a further period not exceeding 30 days.

It’s been more than a month since the extension deadline.

The act provides for a $10,000 fine or imprisonment of a term not exceeding two years, or both, for anyone who violates the law.

Several MPs including Dr. Hubert Minnis, Dr. Michael Darville, Glenys Hanna- Martin, Adrian White, Shanendon Cartwright, Clay Sweeting, and Pia Glover-Rolle told The Tribune they’ve all declared their assets.

Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper also weighing in, reiterating the Davis administration’s zero tolerance for corruption, noting the legislation needs to be improved.