The conduct of the chairman of the Environment and Resources Authority, Victor Axiak, and his colleague on the board of the Planning Authority, marine archaeologist Timmy Gambin, in the controversial Townsquare high-rise development decision continues to raise concern.
It was reported that Prof. Axiak expressed reservations about the project in a memorandum to Dr Gambin. However, the memorandum was never mentioned by Dr Gambin during the Townsquare session of the board meeting, nor was it read out publicly.
Since Prof. Axiak had apparently described the environmental impact assessment for the project in his memorandum as a “sham” – a most damning indictment, coming as it did from the most influential guardian of the environment with a seat on the Planning Authority – Dr Gambin’s decision not to share this information publicly with the planning board was an extraordinary one.
As he was also one of those evidently supporting the Townsquare project at the public meeting, Dr Gambin’s decision not to divulge this vital piece of information both to his board colleagues and to the public has rightly led to questions his judgement, not to say his motives too.
Regrettably, Dr Gambin, who sits on the Planning Authority board as a representative of the public to perform a duty for which his skills and knowledge make him eminently suitable, refuses to explain why he decided not to enlighten his colleagues about Prof. Axiak’s views, which could have proven to be pivotal to the final decision.
Dr Gambin’s behaviour at the board meeting and the botched way in which Prof. Axiak’s crucial voice in the decision-making process was handled (it was effectively suppressed) must - not for the first time - call into question the Planning Authority’s commitment to transparency, accountability and rigorous due process. That the Environment and Resources Authority is still prevaricating over whether or not to appeal this flawed decision only adds fuel to the flames of public disquiet.
The integrity of individual members of the Planning Board – and, indeed, all members of the boards of all public entities - is vital to its credibility.
So too is complete adherence of public boards to ensuring that robust administrative and institutional tools for good governance are securely in place and that appropriate structures, systems and procedures are established and followed.
The key lies in making certain that all the chairmen and all board members are committed to a policy of openness, transparency. They must also understand very clearly that, in that capacity, they are fully accountable for their actions to the public they are there to serve.
Members of boards are not simply placemen. They are individually and collectively accountable for the decisions they reach as a board.
Policy and decision-making processes should be fully scrutinised and well-informed. Good accountability requires that adequate arrangements exist for people on boards to be held to account for their decisions and performance.
It means board members being responsible and prepared to account publicly for their conduct.
Transparency and accountability make it harder for those who act unethically to hide what they are doing.
High ethical standards in public life are vital to ensuring public trust and confidence in our institutions.
Regrettably, as the episode involving Dr Gambin and the Townsquare decision has shown, the last three years have not fostered the promotion of high standards in public life or the transparent, open and accountable ethical regulation that had been promised.