His Excellency the Governor Martyn Roper, OBE invites expressions of interests for appointment to the Commission for Standards in Public Life

Over the past ten years the voluntary members appointed to various statutory and constitutionally created Commissions have worked diligently to enhance governance, reduce corruption, create openness and transparency, and promote education and understanding of the Constitution, amongst many other important matters under each Commissions mandate.

The Commission for Standards in Public Life (the “Commission”) has operated since 2015 under the leadership of Mrs. Rosie Whittaker-Myles along with Members Sheenah Hislop and Isatou Smith. As the tenure of Mrs. Whittaker-Myles and Ms. Sheenah Hislop come to an end, His Excellency the Governor is accepting expressions of interest from Caymanians for consideration of appointment to the Commission.

Individuals who would fit the profile of these memberships (Chairman and 3 Members) include persons who are civic-minded, demonstrate the ability to be measured, fair, and politically neutral, and are regarded by their peers/members of the community as maintaining the highest standards of integrity, willingness to advocate for the cause and educate the general public.

Specifically for membership on this Commission the Constitution requires the appointment of individuals who have knowledge of practice in the private or public sector. At least one member of the Commission shall be a chartered or certified accountant of at least ten years’ experience and at least one member of the Commission shall be a legal practitioner who has practised in the Commonwealth for at least ten years. The Constitution also states that persons cannot be appointed to the Commission if they:

• are a member of the Legislative Assembly

• hold or has at any time during the preceding three years held a public office,

• have at any time during the preceding five years held office in a political party; or

• are not a Caymanian.

The appointments to this Commission are made by His Excellency the Governor, after consultation with the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition, for a renewable term of four years. These voluntary appointments require individuals to contribute approximately 10-20 hours a month (sometimes a bit more for a Chairman) of service to make a full and effective contribution to the Commission. Members of the Commission receive a small stipend for their service. In addition to the local remit of the Commission, the CSPL has regional involvement with the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption bodies (CCAICACB) as a member. The CCAICACB hosts an annual conference and other knowledge exchange endeavors with its regional delegates with the goal of curbing corruption.

“The Commission for Standards in Public Life is an extremely valuable resource in the advancement of good governance. Now that the Standards in Public Life Law has commenced, this Commission has the ability to function at a very high level especially as it relates to reducing conflicts of interest” His Excellency remarked. “Whilst individuals who serve on the Commission have successful and fulfilling careers, they find that it also incredibly rewarding to give back to the community.”

If you are interested in being considered for an appointment to the Commission please tell us a bit more about yourself, including your previous experiences and appointments (you may attach a resume), and why you believe you would be a good fit on this Commission.

Expressions of interest or a request for additional information may be made via email to Deborah.bodden@gov.ky. For more information on the Commission please visit www.standardsinpubliclifecommission.ky.