Friday, September 14 2012

THE Integrity Commission (IC) has found no breach of the Integrity in Public Life Act Chapter 22:01, by anyone in the Office of the Prime Minister, as it relates to the overseas travel of Vidwatie Newton, sister of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

A letter from the Integrity Commission dated Sep-

tember 12, was circulated to media houses yesterday. The letter was addressed to Reynold Cooper, Perm-

anent Secretary and Head of the Public Service at the Office of the Prime Minister.

According to the commission’s registrar, Martin Farrell, investigations into allegations of expenditure of public funds for Newton to accompany the Prime Minister on overseas visits were completed and the commission found no breach of the Act.

“Pursuant to Section 33 of the Integrity in Public Life Act, Chapter 22:01 the Integrity Commission has conducted an investigation into an alleged breach of the Act, to wit: Ms Vidwatie Newton, a non employee of the State, travels on overseas trips which were financed by the Office of the Prime Minister.

Kindly be advised that the Commission has found no breach of the Integrity of Public Life Act, Chapter 22:01 by anyone at the Office of the Prime Minister.”

Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley in May referred the issue of the $866,000 of public funds spent on the travels of

the Prime Minister’s sister, to the Integrity Com-

mission.