By Omar Anderson, Gleaner WriterTHE INVESTIGATIVE functions of some 10 State agencies and departments are to fall under the control of the new National Investigative Authority (NIA), Minister of National Security Dr. Peter Phillips said yesterday.
He added that the new body will be chaired by a Supreme Court judge and managed by a director-general. The investigative agencies/departments to be merged under one umbrella are of the Office of the Public Defender, the Political Ombudsman, the Electoral Advisory Committee, the Integrity Commission, Customs Department, the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption, the Financial Investigation Division, the Contractor-General, and the Police Public Complaints Authority (PPCA).
EXPRESSED CONCERNS
Speaking in the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives, Dr. Phillips said the NIA is being created to respond to frequently expressed concerns about the administration of the justice system, reflected in the cry for justice which punctuated so many public demonstrations. Responding to police abuses or excesses will fall under the NIA's purview, the Minister said.
The authority, he added, is expected to preserve the principles of impartiality and adherence to the rule of law. Dr. Phillips also announced that the NIA is to improve the quality and integrity of the investigatory process, which is often criticised for being corrupt and driven by "financial largesse" surrounding the drug trade and the underground economy.
Establishment of the NIA was previously announced by the Prime Minister during the recent Budget debate.
DIRECTORS
Dr. Phillips told the House yesterday that the NIA would be directed by a bureau comprising not less than five persons appointed by the governor-general after consultation with the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader. He said a minister of religion will be a member of the Authority.
Dr. Phillips stated that the NIA will be managed by a director-general appointed by the bureau.
"This appointment will reflect the status to be accorded the holder of the office and secure his/her independence," the National Security Minister stated.
He noted that the tenure of the bureau and director-general will be clearly defined with provisions for resignation. Removal from office, he said, for cause should be preceded by an inquiry in accordance with the rules of natural justice.
Dr. Phillips said the NIA's structure will be clearly spelled out to identify specialisation areas like anti-corruption, abuse of power, protection of human and civil rights, and abuse of public trust.
He said he has already received a commitment from Sir John Stevens, head of Scotland Yard in Britain, to help establish the NIA and provide specialised training
