THE GLEANER, MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2024 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | IC FEATURE C5 Jamaicans for Justice recognize the invaluable work carried out by the Integrity Commission, which has faced relentless attacks and criticism, even from those in positions of authority who should be champions of their cause. We commend the commission and its officers for their courage and resilience, and urge them to remain steadfast and fair even in the face of their harshest critics. In celebration of this year’s theme, our young people have the energy, creativity and idealism to challenge entrenched patterns of corruption and injustice and should be at the forefront of change. It is crucial that our youths acknowledge that corruption is not merely an abstract issue; it has real implications for the lives of every Jamaican. Every time funds meant for healthcare are misappropriated, a child suffers; every time educational resources are squandered, a future is stolen. Corruption perpetuates inequality, deepens poverty, and erodes trust in our institutions. I urge our youths to remain true to themselves, hold on to values and integrity, and advocate for a corrupt free Jamaica. Our future generation must be resilient and determined to challenge the status quo, for it is only through our collective strength that we can dismantle the systems of corruption that hold us back. r to and uture ned to ugh our e systems EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JAMAICANS FOR JUSTICE Ms. Mickel Jackson The Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) acknowledges and affirms the significance of International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD). The theme of this year’s iteration of the observance, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity” is a challenge and a call for deep reflection and proactive action on the governance framework that we will create for posterity. As such, initiatives to foster integrity in public life and engender a national ethos of decency must include the perspectives, participation and particularities of our young people. In the face of the serious and severe challenges that mitigate the practice of good governance, it is imperative, that we strive to reverse the corrosive impact of corruption, dishonesty and indecency on our children and youth. We must change the narrative that glorifies and rewards impropriety and foster an ethic of honour and respect. The JCC supports the mandate of upholding the rule of law and the promotion of justice and truth, which the Integrity Commission is tasked to accomplish. Further, the Council endorses the efforts to include and involve our youth in the fight against corruption, so that Jamaica may “increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race.” GENERAL SECRETARY, JAMAICA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES Rev. Newton Dixon o C a c proa we w foster ethos o participa In the fac mitigate the that we striv dishonesty a We must chan impropriety and MINISTER OF EDUCATION, SKILLS, YOUTH AND INFORMATION Senator Dr The Honourable Dana Morris Dixon MINISTER OF EDUCATION, SKILLS, YOUTH AND INFORMATION Senator Dr The Honourable Dana Morris Dixon On this International Anti-Corruption Day, we stand united with the global community to reaffirm our commitment to integrity and transparency. This year’s theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” resonates deeply with our mission at the Press Association of Jamaica. Corruption undermines the very fabric of our society, eroding trust and stifling progress. It is imperative that we engage our youth, the torchbearers of tomorrow, in this crucial fight. Young people possess the energy, creativity, and idealism needed to challenge the status quo and drive meaningful change. As journalists, we have a pivotal role in this endeavor. Our duty is to shine a light on corruption, hold power to account, and empower citizens with the truth. We must also inspire and mentor the next generation of media professionals to uphold the highest standards of ethical journalism. Today, I call upon all Jamaicans, especially our youth, to join hands in this battle against corruption. Let us foster a culture of integrity, where honesty and accountability are celebrated. Together, we can build a future where corruption has no place, and integrity is the cornerstone of our society. As Chairman of the National Youth Council of Jamaica, I stand with the youth of Jamaica: vibrant, determined, and resolute in our commitment to shaping a future defined by integrity. Corruption has long held our nation back, eroding trust and denying our communities the opportunities they deserve. But we, the youth, are steadfast in our determination to confront and dismantle this injustice. The fight against corruption is not the burden of a few; it is a collective responsibility that calls for the active engagement of every Jamaican. Integrity must be the foundation upon which we build our society, and it must guide us in every decision we make. By holding ourselves and each other to the highest standards, we can break down systems of dishonesty and forge a culture rooted in transparency and fairness. The youth are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; we are the leaders of today. Through education, innovation, and active civic participation, we are committed to building a Jamaica where merit and hard work are the measures of success, and corruption is relegated to the past. Let us come together, united in purpose, to create a nation where integrity is the norm, not the exception. In our unity, we will pave the way for a prosperous, just, and thriving Jamaica for generations to come. Corruption ends where integrity begins, let this be the call to action that guides us forward. R OF EDUCATION, SKILLS, YOUTH AND INFORMATION r The Honourable Dana Morris Dixon e of lity uture rity is S, o R OF EDUCATION, SKILLS, YOUTH AND INFORMATION r The Honourable Dana Morris Dixon . ve to work tion is o create a exception. perous, just, me. t this be the call S, o PRESIDENT OF THE PRESS ASSOCIATION OF JAMAICA Mr. Dashan Hendricks CHAIRMAN NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL OF JAMAICA Mr. Andrew Johnson On behalf of the Jamaica Civil Service Association, I join in solidarity with the global community in observing International Anti-Corruption Day. This year’s theme, “Uniting with Youth against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” resonates deeply with our Association’s mission and our ongoing commitment to a Jamaica grounded in fairness, transparency, and accountability. Corruption affects us all, hindering progress, eroding trust, and undermining the institutions that serve as the backbone of our society. It threatens our shared values and denies us the prosperity, equality, and justice that every Jamaican deserves. As we confront this challenge, it is clear that our youth are not only stakeholders but key players in the fight for integrity. They bring fresh perspectives, boundless energy, and an innate drive to shape a future that aligns with their ideals of justice and responsibility. Our youth have the power to redefine norms and set higher standards for ethical behaviour in both public and private sectors. They remind us that integrity is not just an ideal but a call to action, urging us to adopt practices and policies that reflect accountability at every level. By engaging young people in this dialogue, we are laying the foundation for a legacy of transparency and trust that will serve as a guide for generations to come. The Jamaica Civil Service Association remains committed to initiatives that amplify the voices of our youth, who make up a significant portion of our membership; 30,000 strong, with over 4,000 young workers between the ages of 18 and 35. In this context, we strive to promote ethical leadership and instill the values necessary to counter corruption in all its forms. Through education, mentorship, and engagement, we encourage our young leaders to challenge the status quo, speak out against injustice, and advocate for a governance system that serves all citizens equitably. As we commemorate this day, let us all pledge to support a future where integrity is non-negotiable. Our hope lies in a Jamaica where every young person feels empowered to be a champion of accountability, an advocate for transparency, and a guardian of fairness. Together, we can build a society where corruption has no place, and where progress is driven by principles that protect and uplift all Jamaicans. Let us embrace this journey together, not only today but every day, as we work to create a nation that truly reflects the values we cherish. PRESIDENT, JAMAICA CIVIL SERVICE ASSOCIATION Ms. Techa Clarke-Griffiths, MBA
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