The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has issued a press release about persons who have failed to file under the Integrity in Public Life Act.

“In accordance with earlier warnings, complaints were filed on January 31st 2023 against public officials who failed to comply. The names of two public officials have been omitted pending a legal opinion regarding the effect of their resignations on their obligations to file”, the release said.

It added “another has requested and been granted an extension until the 5th of February on compassionate grounds owing to the death and recent burial of his mother. All the public officials listed in the table have failed to meet the filing deadline of 26th January 2024.”

Summonses are being prepared by the Court registry and will be served in due course. The names are: Magistrate Hon. Fitzroy Eddy, General Manager of ZIZ Broadcasting Corp, Saju N’gla, Chairman of Urban Development Corp Ricky Lenrick Lake, Member of Public Service Commission (PSC), Ruthlyn Harris, General Manager Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority (NASPA) Oral Brandy, Chairman of NEVLEC’s Board of Directors, Stedmond Tross, General Manager of NEVLEC, Albert Gordon and Chairperson of Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) Pamela Martin.

Charges will carry the full weight of the Integrity in Public Life Act, with potential fines of up to $30,000.00 or imprisonment for up to three years.

Meantime, the DPP’s Office issued a subsequent press release which states “It has come to our attention that an error was made in the listing of individuals who were reported as failing to comply with the mandatory declaration requirements under the Act.”

Oureika Petty was incorrectly identified as holding the position of Deputy Chairperson of NEMA, and he name was on the list, which was issued on February 1st.

However, “we have since been informed that Ms. Petty actually serves as the Deputy National Disaster Coordinator, a position not subject to the filing requirements under the Act” the Office of the DPP said.

 In addition, DPP Adlai Smith extended “sincere and unreserved apologies to Ms. Petty for any embarrassment or inconvenience this error may have caused.”

He expressed commitment on the Office’s part in ensuring “such inaccuracies do not happen in the future” and that he is in discussions with the Attorney General to put in place the necessary mechanisms to prevent a recurrence of this issue.