Members of the public are invited to share their views on proposed changes to Cayman’s Standards in Public Life Act by responding to a survey that has just been launched.

Woody Foster, Chairman of the Commission for Standards in Public Life, says “The Commission is an independent government oversight body established to set and uphold standards of good governance and ethical conduct in public service. Cayman already has a strong governance framework in place, but we are committed to strengthening it further by updating the Standards in Public Life Act. To this end, we have appointed former Auditor General, Sue Winspear, to assist the Commission in delivering these improvements.”

The Commission administers the Register of Interests, which requires Persons in Public Life to submit an annual return detailing their business, financial, land and property interests, as well as declaring any gifts, hospitality, or conflicts of interest. Currently, the Register is available for public inspection by appointment at the Commissions Secretariat Office located in George Town. The survey seeks public views on whether this information should, in future, be made available online.

Sue Winspear says “The Commission is keen to promote greater openness and transparency in relation to the information contained in the Register but recognize it is important to strike a balance between public accountability and personal privacy.”

The survey also seeks views on the level of detail required in annual returns, with the aim of enabling the Office of the Auditor General to use the Commission’s returns for audit purposes. At present, Persons in Public Life are required to complete two similar annual declarations of interests.

In addition, the Commission is consulting on whether:

• Information provided in returns should be capable of verification against other public service records;
• Personal loans given or received should be declared; and
• Mandatory training on ethical conduct and the responsibilities of public office should be introduced for Persons in Public Life.

The Commission for Standards in Public Life is responsible for investigating alleged misconduct in public service. However, in the absence of a Parliamentary Code of Conduct, there are currently no formal sanctions or penalties applicable to Members of Parliament for transgressions. The Speaker, supported by the Commission, is working to introduce a Parliamentary Code of Conduct. The survey therefore also seeks views on whether sanctions and penalties should apply to MPs, and if so, what form they should take.

Mr. Foster adds “The survey should take less than 15 minutes to complete. Your views will help shape the future of this important piece of legislation, which exists to promote ethical behaviour and integrity among all Persons in Public Life.”

Members of the public are encouraged to share their views and help strengthen Cayman’s governance framework by completing the survey.  To access, please click here or scan QR code below.

For more information about the Commission for Standards in Public Life, visit: www.standardsinpubliclifecommission.ky