OUTGOING President, George Maxwell Richards, has agreed to allow his successor to appoint a new Integrity Commission, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said.

President-elect Anthony Carmona would select the new commissioners, following consultation with Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley and the Prime Minister.

Speaking at the opening of Anthony Branch Trace, Quinam Road, Penal last night, Persad-Bissessar said she had written to Richards asking that he allow Carmona to "take care of the process".
The term of the present Commission ends tomorrow.

Persad-Bissessar said, "Mr Carmona will assume office on March 18th and the Integrity Commission term of office ends on the 15th. I thought it would be prudent to allow President Anthony Carmona coming into office to take care of that process."

She said Richards replied on Monday. "He has graciously agreed to leave the appointment of commissioners to the incoming president," she said.

Richards said the President must consult with the leader of the Opposition and Prime Minister before making a decision. .
"We need some time, more than ten days to ensure we do not have some of the difficulties we had with previous commissions," she said.

-carolyn.kissoon@trinidadexpress.com