Fr Henry Charles has resigned as chairman of the Integrity Commission after learning that the law of the Catholic Church forbids him from assuming the position.

’It is with regret that I must resign my position as chairman of the Integrity Commission. I do so because the Canon Law of the Church prevents me from assuming the post,’ Charles explained in a statement he handed to members of the media yesterday.

Yesterday, Charles visited the President’s House at St Ann’s before meeting with the Commission’s two remaining members-retired Industrial Court member, Gladys Gafoor, and UWI bursar, Lylla Bada, at the Integrity Commission’s office, Independence Square, Port of Spain.

After meeting for over two hours at the Unit Trust Corporation building, Port of Spain, a weary looking Charles handed out the statement, which explained his resignation.

He avoided questions as he bowed his head and reiterated that his statement explained his decision.

Last Friday, Charles along with four other members of the Commission took the oath of office at President’s House.

His statement indicated that he was unaware of a specific provision of the Roman Catholic Church’s Canon Law which prohibited such appointment.

According to information from the internet, Canon Law is the body of laws and regulations made by or adopted by ecclesiastical authority, for the government of the Christian organisation and its members.

On the Vatican’s website, section 285 of the Code of Canon Law states: ’Clerics are forbidden to assume public offices which entail participation in the exercise of civil power.’

An article in the Catholic Asian News last month explained that this provision means that priests cannot assume public offices which entail the exercise of legislative, administrative and judicial authority.

Charles stated yesterday that he was not aware of the details of this law and insisted his omission was not deliberate.

’I was not aware of this implication when the President asked me to become a member of the Commission some weeks ago, though I knew that the Church prohibited clerics from taking up appointments derived from party politics. I believed that the Integrity Commission, as an independent body under the Constitution, escaped that restriction,’ he stated.

’When questions began to be raised as to whether I had the Church’s approval, I discovered a broader restriction in Canon Law. I regret the fact that I was not aware of this before I accepted the President’s offer. My omission was not deliberate. It stemmed from a conviction that I have held in the area for many years, reinforced by the strictly independent nature of the Commission.

’I am deeply appreciative of the support I have received from members of staff of the Integrity Commission and from the public and I sincerely thank them,’ his statement concluded.

It was only on Wednesday, that deputy chairman of the Commission, Jeffrey McFarlane, who is also executive director of the National Insurance Board (NIB), returned his instrument of appointment to the acting President as the integrity legislation prevented his appointed to the commission.

Charles’ resignation also comes on the heels of an exclusive report in yesterday’s Express which revealed that he plagiarised the work of two writers in his Guardian column, a mistake he confessed that he deeply regretted.

In less than a week the Integrity Commission has disintegrated to two remaining members.

The clouds of controversy began to hover over the Integrity Commission, within hours of its formation, following the resignation of member, retired Justice of Appeal Zainool Hosein, who had been promised the post of Deputy Chairman but instead was given to McFarlane.

Commenting on Charles’ resignation, Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday said ’He didn’t know that before he accepted it? I respect his wishes.’

Panday added that Richards should resign and the new President should start the process all over again.

The President appoints the Commission’s members, after consultation with the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader. However, Panday was unable to send his recommendations as his office had misplaced the President’s letter which listed the proposed members.

’Somebody in heaven likes me. Had I got that letter I would have been part of all of this. It seems my guardian angel has been protecting me,’ said Panday.