Linton says PM Skerrit’s address raises suspicion that money is involved in diplomatic appointments

​Opposition Leader Lennox Linton is of the view that a statement issued by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit on 24th February 2017, clearly raises suspicion of the involvement of money in diplomatic and consular appointments.
 
Prime Minister Skerrit has categorically stated that his Government has never been involved in the sale of diplomatic passports.
 
But, in a statement issued on 24th February, PM Skerrit said as part of measures to tighten safeguards and address concerns of citizens, Government will introduce an interim policy which will speak to all non nationals under consideration for diplomatic & consular appointments.
 
He said under this policy, persons will be subjected to the same due diligence as persons applying for citizenship under the CBI program.
 
According to him, a prospective appointee would have to satisfy and meet requirements of the Government, cleared by a internationally rated global security agency which would ensure that they do not possess any criminal record, are of good reputation, possess necessary skills to function in designated role, and where applicable, make declarations on source of funds, and disclosure on business activities of proposed appointees.
 
Linton questions the reasons for the Government wanting a declaration on the source of funds, after getting due diligence clearance for diplomatic and consular appointments.