THE GLEANER, MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2024 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | IC FEATURE C4 At the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), we firmly believe that a meaningful fight against corruption must go beyond temporary measures—it requires a commitment to sustainability and continuous progress. It is not enough to simply express our hope that institutions and individuals act in the best interests of the community; we must actively in-still in every generation the understanding that integrity is a cornerstone of responsible citizenship. This belief empowers us to prepare future leaders to resist the temptations of short-term personal or institutional gains and to embrace decisions that prioritize the greater good. We see this as a shared generational responsibility—a responsibility to pass on values that bridge the divides of time. Across all societies, the lessons learned by one generation serve to guide the next, shaping their aspirations and expectations. Just as importantly, younger generations can inspire and uplift those before them, creating a cycle of mutual reinforcement in the pursuit of integrity. The Board and Members of the JCC wholeheartedly commend the Integrity Commission’s collaborative approach to this issue. By actively engaging the nation’s youth, they are fostering a partnership that seeks to eliminate corruption and its stifling effects on our society. Together, we are building a brighter, more transparent future—one where integrity thrives at every level. eon’s tively ering a n and its re building ere integrity PRESIDENT, THE JAMAICA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Mr. Phillip Ramson On International Anti-Corruption Day 2024, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) reaffirms its commitment to combating corruption and fostering integrity in Jamaica’s business environment. This year’s theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” aligns with our vision for Jamaica’s future, particularly as we confront the devastating economic impacts of corruption worldwide. The scale of these impacts is severe, with the United Nations reporting annual losses of US$3.6 trillion, including US$1 trillion in bribes and US$2.6 trillion stolen through corrupt practices. For developing nations like Jamaica, the situation is even more dire, with corruption-related losses estimated at ten times the amount of official development assistance, significantly hampering our development potential. Within this global context, Jamaica’s position remains particularly concerning, with a Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score of 44 out of 100, placing us 69th among 180 countries. This score, which has remained stagnant for 22 years, indicates prevalent bribery and inadequate institutional responses to citizens’ needs. Most troubling is the disproportionate impact on our youth, with recent studies showing that young people aged 18-34 in Caribbean countries are twice as likely to experience bribery compared to those over 55. The persistence of corruption has created a vicious cycle, driving talent away from Jamaica and creating a significant brain drain as young professionals seek opportunities elsewhere. This exodus of human capital, innovation, and leadership potential not only threatens our current development but also compromises our nation’s future prosperity. To address these challenges head-on, the PSOJ has launched the National Values and Attitudes Advancement Committee, implementing a comprehensive, multi-sector approach. Through this initiative, we are actively advocating for Unexplained Wealth legislation and strengthening anti-corruption frameworks, while simultaneously forging partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations to nurture ethical leadership among young Jamaicans. As we move forward, the PSOJ remains steadfast in its collaboration with the Integrity Commission and other stakeholders to create lasting change. By implementing mentorship programmes, skills training, and value-based education, we are working to break the cycle of distrust and create an environment where young Jamaicans can envision and build a prosperous future at home. The time for transformative action is now, as we cannot afford another two decades of stagnation in our fight against corruption. The future of Jamaica’s business landscape depends on our collective ability to combat corruption effectively and unite with our youth to build a more transparent and ethical society that benefits all Jamaicans. O 20 of men integ This ye Corrupt aligns wi ticularly as impacts of The scale of th Nations repor including US$1 stolen through co like Jamaica, the si tion-related losses official development a development potentia Within this global contex larly concerning, with a Co of 44 out of 100, placing us PRESIDENT, PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANISATION OF JAMAICA Mr. Metry Seaga The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) proudly supports International Anti-Corruption Day and its 2024 theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.” Corruption erodes trust, hinders development, and undermines the very foundations of our society. Combating this issue requires a unified approach, and the youth are critical allies in this fight. As the nation’s Constabulary, we recognize the invaluable role played by organisations like the Integrity Commission in fostering a culture of integrity, especially among our young people. Integrity Commission’s efforts in promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership are essential components of a healthy democracy. The JCF stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Commission and commends their tireless work in empowering the next generation of leaders to uphold the highest standards of integrity. The JCF is equally committed to nurturing a sense of civic responsibility and ethical conduct among our youth. Through initiatives such as the Police Youth Club movement and the Safe Schools Programme, led by our Community Safety and Security Branch(CSSB), we strive to instil values of honesty, fairness, and respect for the rule of law. By engaging young people in these programs, we aim to create a generation that rejects corruption and actively contributes to a more just and equitable Jamaica. On this International Anti-Corruption Day, let us all reaffirm our commitment to working together – youth, civil society, and law enforcement – to build a brighter future for Jamaica, one free from the corrosive effects of corruption. T p rup with Tomo hinders foundat requires critical allie As the nation uable role pla Commission in among our young in promoting trans ership are essentia The JCF stands shou and commends their generation of leaders to COMMISSIONER OF POLICE Dr. Kevin Blake On International Anti-Corruption Day 2024, National Integrity Action (NIA) extends greetings to the global advocates of good governance, recommits itself to building integrity, and reaffirms its support for the Integrity Commission in pursuing its mission to combat corruption in Jamaica. We welcome the theme of AntiCorruption Day 2024 - “Uniting With Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.” NIA reminds our people that Jamaica loses approximately 100 billion dollars to corruption and the corrupt each passing year. Reduction in this massive sum would allow so many more resources to be devoted to providing services for our people, uplifting the youth, caring for the elderly and improving the quality of our lives. Achieving greater success in apprehending the corrupt ‘big fish’ would not only reinforce the rule of law but also help to reduce youth alienation and build their confidence in public institutions. We are conscious of the findings of a pioneering study of Jamaican youth that found “strong understanding of those who are deemed to be people of integrity… [and that] young people are willing to participate in the fight against corruption.” Our youth must be encouraged to build integrity within our nation, especially in the context of the Integrity Commission’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy. At the same time, we must resolve to resist efforts to undermine the Integrity Commission’s effective operations. Given the absence of a Code of Ethics for our parliamentarians, the commission has much work to do. l e, ne ons. r our work to PRINCIPAL DIRECTOR, NATIONAL INTEGRITY ACTION Ms. Danielle S. Archer The Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal (JAMP) joins mind, heart and spirit of all the individuals and institutions around the planet that have paused this week to contemplate the significance of our effort to deter acts of corruption. The theme advanced by the United Nations “Uniting the Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity” is perhaps the most compelling to date. JAMP has long maintained that ALL the ingredients to successfully combat corruption is present here. We have consistently identified “ the existing intrepid generation of young Jamaicans “ as the yeast - usually the cheapest and smallest portion in a recipe but if overlooked, spells culinary failure of gastronomical proportions. Whilst investigations, legislative strengthening, resource deployment and capacity building are crucial TODAY, there is a vital investment to be made in the mindset of our youth that will bear humongous fruit in the FUTURE. There is no better strategy than to act on what we all know to be true – that the youth are tomorrow’s decision makers and will have to determine whether they will place a bigger premium on what is best for their society or what is best for themselves. All our operational plans must reflect that they are not just passive observers, but active architects of national integrity – either building upon the decline in our morals or strengthening our collective compass against the rot of abusive power. If we nurture their consciousness, and believe unwaveringly in their potential, we do more than combat corruption – we will resurrect hope, rebuild trust, and reimagine the very foundations of our national character. y y g T ( ind tha the corru The the the Yout Integrity” JAMP has to successf We have con generation of y cheapest and sm spells culinary fa Whilst investigati deployment and ca is a vital investment EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JAMAICA ACCOUNTABILITY METER PORTAL Ms. Jeanette A. Calder
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