Financial Crime World

St. Kitts and Nevis Takes Historic Step Towards Good Governance with Anti-Corruption Bill Passage

Basseterre, St. Kitts - February 22, 2023

In a significant victory for transparency and accountability, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has taken a major step towards good governance by passing the Anti-Corruption Bill, 2023.

A Historic Piece of Legislation

The passage of this bill is being hailed as a “historic and well-needed piece of legislation” by Senator Dr. Joyelle Clarke, who praised the law as a vital tool in promoting transparency, accountability, and transformation. The bill creates criminal offences for corrupt conduct and establishes the Office of a Special Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute acts of corruption among public officials.

Key Provisions

  • Creates criminal offences for corrupt conduct
  • Establishes the Office of a Special Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute acts of corruption
  • Makes it illegal to purchase political influence

According to Senator Dr. Clarke, anti-corruption laws are essential for empowering citizens and promoting transparency. “We are putting the power back into the hands of the people,” she said. “It’s extremely important to be accountable because international donors keep track of what we do with monies given to St. Kitts and Nevis so that we could transform our country.”

A Major Milestone

The passage of this bill is a significant milestone in St. Kitts and Nevis’ efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency, and it is expected to have far-reaching implications for the country’s economic and social development.

Acknowledgments

Senator Dr. Clarke praised Attorney-General Garth Wilkin for bringing the legislation to parliament, allowing for meaningful debates on how to move society forward towards good governance, sustainable development, and protection of citizens.

By passing this bill, St. Kitts and Nevis is demonstrating its commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability, and setting a positive example for other countries in the region to follow.