MP calls for Councillor Ian Bell to step away from SAMC committees

 

Member Parliament for North East St. Ann Matthew Samuda has called for People's National Party Councillor Ian Bell to resign from the committees he sits on following a damning Integrity Commission report. 

 

The Integrity Commission found that Councillor Bell should have recused himself from deliberations involving his wife's application for space at the Uterreus Transportation Centre in St. Ann. 

 

The Integrity Commission's Director of Investigations, Kevon Stevenson, recommended that St. Ann Municipal Corporation (SAMC) Chairman Michael Belnavis formally reprimand Bell for failing to withdraw from the Commercial Services Committee's consideration of his wife Shirlyn Campbell-Bell's application. 

 

The Commission concluded that Bell breached conflict of interest and good governance standards by failing to withdraw from meetings at which his wife's application was considered. 

 

The Commission also found that the commercial structure was erected without the required building and planning permits. 

 

Mr. Samuda says Councillor Bell cannot continue to sit on the respective committees while this cloud hangs over his head.

 

"We are not of the view that the report should be fatal to his political career, but he cannot exist without consequence from what was appallingly bad judgment. So there are some steps that we believe must be taken and we will be calling for these vigorously. Firstly, he must remove himself from the Building and Planning Committee. He can't sit on that committee and be breaching the process," he suggested. 

 

"Secondly, he must remove himself from the Commercial Committee that would have overseen this matter directly. Thirdly, if he has a shred of decency, he should remove the structure put in the place and ensure that it is done at no cost to the government, either central or parish council," urged Mr. Samuda. 

 

Michael Belnavis, Chairman of the St. Ann Municipal Corporation, on Thursday indicated that no decision had yet been taken regarding Councillor Bell, and the body would have no further comment on the matter until it has received the formal report from the Integrity Commission.