THE TCI INTEGRITY COMMISSION ON THE OCCASION OF THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY

The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Integrity Commission joins the nations of the world to observe today, the 9^th December, 2011 as United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day. Since 2003, the United Nations (UN) has designated the 9^th of December as a day to raise people’s awareness of corruption, and its devastating effect on the economic, social and political lives of a people and to identify the tools to combat and prevent it.

Corruption undermines democracy, good governance, justice and the rule of law; it breeds poverty in the midst of plenty; insecurity where there should be safety. Corruption is a deadly cancer that corrodes and destroys the social, economic and political fabrics of any nation. ACT AGAINST CORRUPTION!

The global reach of corruption and its scourge, led to the passing of the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and The OECD Convention on the Bribery of Foreign Officials in International Transactions--- two very important global legal instruments in the fight against corruption. Countries were urged to incorporate the provisions of these Conventions into their domestic laws.

In 2008, TCI enacted the relevant legislation namely, the Integrity Commission Ordinance 2008 (the Ordinance) which essentially mirrored the provisions of these Conventions. The Ordinance came into force on June 1, 2009. On May 10, 2010, the Integrity Commission was established under this Ordinance with a mission to lead in combating corruption and promoting integrity, honesty and good faith in public life so that public resources are used fairly and equitably for the benefit of all TCI citizens and residents. Since its establishment, the Commission has worked to help set up the legal, infrastructural and institutional framework necessary to effectively and efficiently carry out its statutory and constitutional mandate.

The passage of the Integrity Commission Ordinance and the establishment of the Integrity Commission is a clear message of commitment by the TCI government and its people to fight corruption.

On this International Anti-Corruption Day, the Integrity Commission reaffirms its resolve to play a leading role in this anti-corruption campaign, and wishes to thank the government, citizens and residents of TCI, especially persons in public life for their support and cooperation since its establishment.

Civil Recovery Order in the Turks and Caicos Islands

The first Civil Recovery Order in the Turks and Caicos Islands under the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Ordinance 2007 has been obtained Attorney General Huw Shepheard (pronounced HUGH), today announced that he has obtained the first Civil Recovery Order in the Turks and Caicos Islands under the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Ordinance 2007.

The Order was made by the Chief Justice following a short hearing at which he was informed of the allegations and the settlement that has been reached between the Government and Mr John Gill.

The AG in a press statement said Quote:- 'After a comprehensive investigation by the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team into the role of John Gill and following a detailed review of the evidence against him I agreed to proceed in his case by way of a civil recovery action.

Mr Gill is to pay the TCIG $1,250,000 to settle all criminal and civil issues that have been identified in the course of the SIPT inquiry following the allegations of unlawful conduct that surfaced during the Commission of Inquiry in 2008.

I am satisfied that the public interest is served by this settlement and it is a settlement that is consistent with the interim administration's policy that it wishes to treat in a fair and proportionate way with all self-confessed wrong doers.

I will in appropriate cases consider that an acceptance of responsibility and an agreement to make financial recompense is a sufficient way to resolve these issues, whilst always reserving the right to take criminal proceedings in the right case.' End quote.

Attorney General Huw Shepheard (pronounced HUGH), who today announced that he has obtained the first Civil Recovery Order in the Turks and Caicos
Islands under the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Ordinance 2007.