Each year, Jamaica joins with many other countries in celebrating the signing of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. This is the 20th anniversary of this anti-corruption instrument which commits its signatories to make their laws and activities compatible with the worldwide effort to prevent public officials and others from unfairly garnering public funds and unfairly taking advantage of opportunities for their private and selfish purposes at the expense and to the detriment of others. Jamaica signed this Convention on September 16, 2005 and ratified it on March 5, 2008. The Integrity Commission is committed to educating public officials and the public in general on the nature of corruption, and the need to shun those activities that stymie healthy national efforts and create an atmosphere of anger and bitterness among people who are adversely affected by same. To this end, the Integrity Commission, while it proceeds with its normal activities, is engaged in developing a National Strategy against corruption. The Integrity Commission continues to seek the cooperation of relevant state agencies and entities as corruption is not something that can be fought by it alone. The Commission urges those entities that have not yet signed and committed to a memorandum of understanding with the Commission to do so without further delay as the cooperation of all is necessary. I take this opportunity to urge everyone, holders of public offices and others, to give the Commission their full support. It is not helpful for efforts to be made to damage the Integrity Commission. So far, the Commission has followed the legislation impeccably and so I urge all Jamaicans to give their full support as the Commission continues to execute its mission without fear or favour, malice or ill-will, with the welfare of Jamaica constantly in mind. CHAIRMAN, INTEGRITY COMMISSION The Hon. Mr Justice (Ret’d) Seymour Panton, OJ, CD International Anti-Corruption Day is celebrated each year on December 9. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003 in an effort to raise awareness about the damaging effects of corruption and to promote international as well as domestic efforts to combat the scourge. Instructively, December 9, this year, will also mark the 20th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) - a convention to which Jamaica became a full state party on March 5, 2008. As we commemorate International Anti-Corruption Day 2023 under the theme ‘Uniting the World Against Corruption,’ I can confidently state that the Integrity Commission and its officers are proud to be at the forefront of the fight against corruption in Jamaica. We are acutely aware that while corruption is a global problem that affects all countries, its impact on developing states, such as our own, can be devastating. Although we are a young organization, we therefore understand the depth of our responsibility. We are united in our commitment to discharge our mandate, under the Integrity Commission Act, without fear and without favour, in the battle against this cancer of corruption. Above all, we are fortified in our belief that our singular duty is to serve the public interest. Consequently, we will confront corruption wherever and whenever we see it, irrespective of who its actors or its sponsors may be. Corruption, which has been characterized as a crime against humanity, should in no circumstances whatsoever be given a free pass. If it is left to proliferate, it will obstruct economic and social development, entrench inequality and poverty, erode trust in critical state institutions, and undermine personal and national security. It will, at one and the same time, prevent an entire country and its people from achieving their full socio-economic potential. Corruption diverts scarce resources away from vital social services, such as education and healthcare. It stifles innovation, investment and entrepreneurship. And it fuels organized crime and violence. Corruption also subverts democracy and human rights, because among its many manifestations is the abuse of state power and the suppression of criticism and opposition. But while corruption is formidable in its debilitating consequences, it is by no means insurmountable. A united approach to tackling the problem can stop it dead in its tracks - once it involves government, lawmakers, law enforcement, the private sector, the media, civil society, and individual citizens, all coming together to make their respective contributions. Government leaders and lawmakers can make a profound impact by simply strengthening anti-corruption laws and institutions in line with international anti-corruption best practice standards. They can also become beacons of transformational leadership should they openly practice and promote the ideals of honesty, integrity, transparency and accountability in the discharge of their public functions. Law enforcement, inclusive of the Commission, must redouble its efforts to bring the corrupt to book, recognizing that only when offenders are effectively investigated, prosecuted and convicted, will others be deterred from engaging in similar conduct. National business associations should take proactive steps to implement and enforce strong anti-bribery and good governance policies among their constituent members. Major corporations, and their leaders, by setting an exemplary tone, can also induce other businesses to become good corporate citizens by rejecting corruption and bribery. Civil society organizations and the media should be encouraged to continue to raise awareness about corruption. They should advocate for good governance practices, as well as monitor and press for the implementation of effective anti-corruption reforms. The Commission obviously has a critical lead responsibility role in this regard and all stakeholders should be assured that the Commission’s obligations will be robustly discharged. Finally, it is important to recognize that every citizen has an inherent and untapped power to make a significant contribution in the fight against corruption. First, citizens can collectively stop corruption just by making a personal commitment not to be a party to it. Second, citizens can make a difference by reporting suspected corruption to the authorities, while lending support to organizations that are taking a stand against it. Third, and very importantly, citizens should withdraw support from those who they believe are complicit in corruption, or who have failed to take visible action to suppress it. By doing all of these things, a silent majority can be transformed, virtually overnight, into a very powerful anti-corruption force for the benefit of the common good. In the final analysis, if we are to be true patriots, who genuinely believe in placing the interest of our country above all else, then together we can unite Jamaica and, in turn, contribute to uniting the world against the crippling and destructive tentacles of the cancer of corruption. The Corruption Prevention, Stakeholder Engagement and Anti-Corruption Strategy Division of the Integrity Commission of Jamaica welcomes the opportunity to celebrate International Anti-Corruption Day being held this year under the theme “UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World Against Corruption”. An important component in uniting the world against corruption is the extent to which stakeholders are engaged in the fight against corruption and the extent to which the broader citizenry is sensitized on matters relating to corruption and anti-corruption reform. It is this context that drives the work of the Corruption Prevention, Stakeholder Engagement and Anti-Corruption Strategy Division as we continue to expand our series of Anti-Corruption and Good Governance Workshops and Presentations across the public and private sectors as part of our public education campaign and through the development of a national anticorruption strategy for Jamaica. The Corruption Prevention, Stakeholder Engagement and Anti-Corruption Strategy Division reiterates its support to the principles espoused by the United Nations Convention against Corruption [UNCAC] and its continued implementation as we continue to fight the blight of corruption. DIRECTOR, CORRUPTION PREVENTION, STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT & ANTI-CORRUPTION STRATEGY, INTEGRITY COMMISSION Mr. Ryan Evans The Financial Investigations Division is pleased to join the world in celebrating with the United Nations the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) under the theme UNCAC at 20: “Uniting the World Against Corruption”. The convention is the world’s first legally binding anti-corruption instrument in response to the worldwide scourge of corruption and played a pivotal role in uniting countries in this effort and fostering an effective international cooperation framework. Since its inception over two decades ago, one hundred and forty (140) countries are signatories, signalling global acceptance and commitment to a corruption-free world. As we commemorate this 2023 International Anti-Corruption Day, it is with pride we recognise the Integrity Commission as Jamaica’s standard bearer in the global fight against corruption. Despite the challenges, the Commission stands resolute in eradicating corruption and fostering a culture of integrity. The FID is honoured to collaborate with Integrity Commission and its partners to strengthen Jamaica’s response to corruption, money laundering, and other financial crimes through intelligence sharing, investigations, domestic cooperation and international cooperation, and also remove the benefit of crime through asset forfeiture. We recognise that most Jamaicans have unwavering commitment and dedication to transparency, accountability, and a corruptionfree Jamaica. We therefore encourage Jamaicans to join the worldwide campaign. The FID stands resolute with the Integrity Commission and the rest of the world on this International AntiCorruption Day and reiterate our commitment to combating corruption. CHIEF TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, FINANCIAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION Mr. Selvin Hay, OD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INTEGRITY COMMISSION Mr. Greg Christie
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