And we also asked the UDP Leader how she feels about the fact that one of her parliamentary colleagues, Senator Chris Coye, had a declared net worth of 24 million dollars in his Integrity Commission filings in 2019.
That's the one was saw published in the November 15th Gazette - Panton says she wonders where it now stands:
Tracy Panton, UDP Leader
"It's interesting. I would be keen on knowing what the net worth is today. I believe the records that you revealed dated back to when he was a member, initial member of the Senate in opposition. I would also would like to know how that wealth was generated. Is it just from his law practice?"
Jules Vasquez:
"23 million in investments."
Tracy Panton, UDP Leader
"In investments. So it would be interesting to find out, where those investments were made. But more importantly, I would like to understand what the net worth is today and to see if that has grown significantly. I know that he is he took on such a senior role in public office."
Jules Vasquez:
"You know, there are people who say you shouldn't publish that. Although it's in the Gazette for the public. People who say you shouldn't publish that. Where do you stand on that? Does the public you believe have a right to know the net worth of people who govern them?"
Tracy Panton, UDP Leader
"Absolutely. You sign up for public office, and when you sign up for public office, you are to be held at a much higher standard, in my view, in terms of your interaction with the public, how you use the public purse, what access you may have to contracts, etc., etc.. That's part of the function of being a parliamentarian or being a member of government administration. And there is the PEP, right. Politically exposed persons. And when you enter in that arena, you understand from the get go that that full disclosure is important. The public purse is not our private, domain. It belongs to the people. And there should be full transparency and accountability, not only how the public funds are being used, but how those of us who are guardians of the public purse execute our own affairs."
Jules Vasquez:
"Then, why haven't you filed?"
Tracy Panton, UDP Leader
"I have filed every year."
Jules Vasquez:
"Okay. I didn't see it."
Tracy Panton, UDP Leader
"Yes. My "chikalings" too small. I have never missed an opportunity to file. I do so every year with the Integrity Commission."
