| Government says it will continue to receive written comments on the draft Code of Conduct for Ministers of Government, members of the National Assembly and public office holders.Already, feedback has been received from the Guyana Bar Association and the Guyana Human Rights Association, among others.“In an effort to ensure a thorough and comprehensive code which benefits from the widest possible input, Government will allow for further comments before the code is presented to Cabinet for approval and finalization,” the Ministry of the Presidency explained yesterday.“Government encourages wide-ranging citizen and stakeholder participation in the process leading up to the final version of the Code which is intended to promote professional, exemplary and responsible conduct by senior government personnel. It is further meant to engender and reinforce public confidence in the manner in which senior government officials perform their duties in service to the people.”The Code of Conduct is based on 10 principles – Accountability, Dignity, Diligence, Duty, Honour, Integrity, Loyalty, Objectivity, Responsibility and Transparency.The code was part of the promises by the Coalition Government while on the elections trail.Last year, a few months after taking office, the David Granger-led administration vowed to tackle corruption with a number of measures, including the Code of Conduct.The draft document, published on the Ministry of the Presidency website, speaks to disciplinary actions or terminations for Ministers,NFL Jerseys Outlet, Parliamentarians and other public office holders who are in breach. The draft document also addresses the acceptance of gifts of more than $10,000, conflicts of interest, accountability and even gambling.The code would be crucial for the coalition administration which campaigned for the May 11, 2015 General Elections on promises that it will be making sweeping changes to improve behaviour of public officials.In the past, there was little action against public officials, despite reported evidence. This included discharging of a firearm, drunk driving and trading on insider information.The purpose of the code is to assist Ministers,NBA Store, Members of Parliament and public office holders in the discharge of their obligations to their constituents and the public at large.“It provides guidance on the values – the moral qualities – that should govern the conduct of Ministers and Members in discharging their Parliamentary and public duties. It is also meant to reinforce public confidence in the way in which Ministers and public office holders perform those duties.”It was made clear that public office holders are duty bound by the code in all aspects of their public life. The code, however, does not seek to regulate the conduct of public office holders in their private and personal lives.“Public office holders have a duty to uphold the law, including the general law,Wholesale Authentic Jerseys Outlet, against discrimination and sexual harassment, and to act with propriety on all occasions in accordance with the public trust and confidence placed in them. Public office holders have a general duty to act in the interest of the nation as a whole and owe a special duty of care to their constituents,Marlon Humphrey Jersey, and citizens.”Regarding accountability, the draft code proposes that public office holders are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions, and must submit themselves to scrutiny and criticism.They must also conduct themselves in a manner that is worthy of the respect of their peers and the public and be effective, efficient, courteous and reliable in the performance of their duties.With regard to duty, the draft code stated that public officials owe a duty to the country “and must consider themselves servants of the people”.Of course, the issue of integrity was dealt with.“Public office holders have a duty to declare any private interest relating to the discharge of their duties and responsibilities, and to ensure that their personal decisions and actions are not in conflict with the national interest. Public office holders should display allegiance to the state and should show concern for the well-being of the persons that they were elected to represent.”In the area of responsibility, the draft code stated that Ministers collectively have a basic responsibility to make decisions only in the national interest void of any forms of personal gain, or other material benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.Regarding the actions, the code said that Ministers should be open about all their public decisions and actions and be prepared to provide explanations when so demanded by the public.When it comes to accepting gifts, it is being proposed that public officials should report gifts or other forms of reward valued at more than $10,000 to the Integrity Commission.It was explained that a conflict of interest situation arises when the “private interests” of the public office holder compete or conflict with the interests of the state.Private interests can mean both the financial and personal interests of the official and staff or those of their connections and would include family and other relations, personal friends, companies or business interests which they hold or own, and other clubs and societies to which they belong.The draft code also speaks about trading on insider knowledge.“Ministers, Members of Parliament and public office holders should avoid using their official position or any transmitting any information made available to them in the course of their to benefit themselves,Throwback Jerseys, their relations or any other individuals with whom they are associated. They should avoid compromising themselves or their office and which may lead to an actual or perceived conflict of interest.”With regard to properties and other state resources, the draft code warned that these are to be used solely for the purpose of conducting Government’s business and not for political party work.“Misappropriation or unauthorised use of such property or resources, such as for personal use or personal gain (e.g. resale or unauthorized leasing), is strictly prohibited. Facilities provided to Ministers, Members of Parliament and public office holders at Government expense to ensure fulfillment of their official duties should not be used for political activities. Government property should not generally be used for constituency work or party activities.”The draft code also warned of excessive gambling and forbids any such activities on Government premises.Public office holders who wish to take up paid outside work, including those on a part-time basis, must seek the written approval of the Government before accepting the job.“Approval will not be given if the outside work is in conflict with the interest of the Government.”Also included in the draft code is,Cheap Jerseys Online, “Any official or staff who violates any provision of the Code will be subject to disciplinary action, or termination of appointment/employment where warranted. Members of the public may submit complaints to the Integrity Commission under Section 28 of the Integrity Commission Act with respect to perceived breaches of this Code of Conduct, or that of the Act.” |
