The passing of the Anti-Corruption Bill, 2023, in the St. Kitts and Nevis National Assembly on February 22. 2023, established the post of a Special Prosecutor.
As per the legislation, the Special Prosecutor must be an Attorney-at-Law and may investigate and prosecute a public officer for a criminal offense of corrupt conduct or a civil claim related to corrupt behaviour.
According to Senator and Attorney General, the Honourable Garth Wilkin, the appointment of a special prosecutor is one that the legal fraternity supports.
He stated…..
The [St. Kitts and Nevis] Bar Association has no issue with the appointment of the Special Prosecutor, which is in full compliance with the Constitution of Saint Christopher and Nevis.
The Special Prosecutor is a public servant and will collaborate closely with bodies responsible for public demeanor.
The Special Prosecutor will physically be working out of the Office of the Integrity Commission and [as outlined] in the Anti-Corruption Act, which was passed earlier today, has to report to the Director of Public Prosecution and the Integrity Commission, so I can report that there is no Constitutional issue with the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
– AG Garth Wilkin
At Wednesday’s meeting of the Federal Parliament, the Integrity in Public Life (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill, 2023 were also debates.
The three Bills were passed in the House without objection.
