The United Nations’ International Anti Corruption Day was launched 20 years ago with the aim of increasing public awareness about corruption. Since then, Jamaica has seen the creation of the Integrity Commission as a response to the growing challenge of corruption in Jamaica. The last several months have been challenging for the Integrity Commission as it responds to the lack of support from some political actors. This is the litmus test for the effectiveness of the Integrity Commission , which must balance being the guardians of the integrity of public servants whilst ensuring that the population supports their mandate. There is no doubt that the role of the Integrity Commission is critical to Jamaica’s fight against corruption. The work of the Integrity Commission is a pillar in securing and strengthening good governance practices in Jamaica. This requires support from Jamaicans from all walks of life . We all bear the impact of corruption. We must support the Integrity Commission and stand up against corrupt acts. We must ask our politicians to implement and abide by a Code of Conduct. We must demand greater transparency and accountability and demand prompt tabling of the Integrity Commission‘s reports once they have been served on the Houses of Parliament . Together, as Jamaicans, we must demand the promised Unexplained Wealth Orders and the Enhanced Security Measures Act. As NIA plays its part, we congratulate the Integrity Commission for this supplement and assert our commitment to working with them in developing Jamaica’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy. All hands must be on deck to ensure that Jamaica does not abandon any of its democratic principles and institutions. On International Anti-Corruption Day, The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) proudly reaffirms its unwavering dedication to fighting corruption, a crucial step for ensuring Jamaica’s prosperity, economic growth, and social development. In conjunction with the United Nations’ 20th anniversary of the UNCAC, themed “UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World Against Corruption,” we are committed to supporting worldwide anti-corruption efforts. Corruption, a ubiquitous challenge, continues to impact Jamaica significantly. This is reflected in our ranking of 69 out of 180 countries in the 2022 Corruption Perception Index (CPI), which, quite distressingly, indicates no improvement from the previous year. Furthermore, Jamaica continues to grapple with challenges hindering our progress, including issues in public procurement, eroding trust in government and institutions, and stunted economic growth and investment. Consequently, we must laud and recognise the efforts of successive administrations that have led us to where we are today. Key legislation over the last two decades, such as the Corruption Prevention Act (2001), the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) Act, and the Integrity Commission Act (2017), is vital in the fight against corruption. Furthermore, we are vocal advocates for bolstering POCA by implementing Unexplained Wealth Orders legislation, which would directly tackle the Financial Investigations Division’s (FID) estimate that crime proceeds account for 2% to 5% of Jamaica’s GDP. Corruption significantly impacts both the economy and society. It diverts resources, reducing public service effectiveness and infrastructure quality. This creates a hostile business environment, discouraging investment and slowing economic growth. Inefficient public procurement further strains finances by inflating costs and lowering service quality. Moreover, corruption weakens tax collection, worsening budget deficits and constraining government functions. In closing, we emphasise the imperative of collaborative efforts among the private sector, government, and civil society to combat corruption effectively. By joining forces, we aim to cultivate a Jamaica defined by integrity, transparency, and accountability, ultimately guiding our nation towards a future brimming with pride and prosperity. On this International Anti-Corruption Day, the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) celebrates the strides made by the Integrity Commission in our ongoing battle against corruption. Aligned with the global theme “UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World Against Corruption,” the Integrity Commission is a beacon of commitment and transparency in our nation’s pursuit of a corruption-free future. Jamaicans understand the heavy toll corruption can have on our economy and society, especially when it affects the services funded by taxpayers. However, it’s crucial to recognize that these issues might be systemic rather than isolated incidents by a few “bad actors.” The Commission’s unwavering dedication to upholding the principles of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has fortified our collective resolve to root out corruption. By promoting accountability and ethical conduct, the Commission has become a vital guardian of our nation’s integrity. In the spirit of unity, the Integrity Commission collaborates across sectors, ensuring public and private entities adhere to high integrity standards. Recent initiatives, like the rejuvenation of the Crime Monitoring & Oversight Committee (CMOC), offer hope by involving the government, opposition, private sector, and civil society and will do its part in supporting anti-corruption in Jamaica. We recognize the pivotal role played by the Integrity Commission in safeguarding our values. Its continuous efforts echo the theme of uniting the world against corruption and our shared commitment to building a society where transparency and integrity prevail. Together, we stand firm against corruption, paving the way for a more just and equitable future. PRESIDENT, PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANISATION OF JAMAICA Mr. Metry Seaga On this International Anti-Corruption Day, it is paramount that we pause to reflect on our collective efforts in the fight against corruption. This year’s theme, “UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World Against Corruption,” resonates deeply with MOCA’s mandate and ongoing mission of combating corruption and organized crime. The deleterious effects of corruption on countries around the world, particularly relatively small developing states like Jamaica, cannot be overstated. It’s imperative therefore that we stand together, united in our resolve to eradicate this menace. The Integrity Commission plays a pivotal role in this mission of upholding transparency and accountability and is at the forefront of the fight. So too does MOCA. Together, and with the support of partners such as the FID and the JCF, we combat corruption at all levels. We believe that it is only through this unity of effort and focus that we will be effective in this cause. This International Anti-Corruption Day, I urge every Jamaican to join us in this crusade. By embracing the values of honesty, integrity and accountability in our daily lives, reporting corruption without hesitation, and showing zero tolerance when it is discovered, we are all contributing to a fairer, more just, more progressive society for all. Let us use this occasion to reiterate our dedication to the principles of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. Through awareness, education, and collaborative initiatives, we encourage every Jamaican to actively engage in this fight against corruption. Together, we can create a future where corruption has no place and we can forge a strong nation founded on the enduring principles of integrity and transparency. The fight against corruption is not abstract, it is a battle with human nature, as every act of corruption is a conflict between a person’s self-interest competing with the interest of the Jamaican people they have been empowered to serve. In the 365 days since the last commemoration, Jamaica has made inroads but this has not come easily. Whilst change is inevitable, the direction of the change is not. It requires knowledge, tenacity, courage and a strong dose of faith from all stakeholders. The Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal team believes that these virtues embodied enough Jamaicans in all sectors, for us to make significant progress in protecting our money, assets and resources from the cancer that corruption is. What inspires and continues to drive our team is a coming to terms with our real identity. Jamaicans are not only citizens but owners of all public assets, we are not just taxpayers but financiers of the entire machinery of government and we are not mere voters called on to serve once every five years, but employers of all public officials that serve us, making it our job to regularly monitor and hold them to account. No matter how strong our legislative, policy and institutional framework, the citizen’s own stewardship of this fight and their future is vital. Citizen empowerment through education is therefore a crucial imperative. JAMP reaffirms its commitment to support the Commission’s efforts, particularly in public education and expresses its gratitude for the fortitude and contribution of every team member of the Commission and will continue to stand with you in this worthwhile fight, now and in the years to come. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JAMAICA ACCOUNTABILITY METER PORTAL Ms. Jeanette Calder PRESIDENT, THE JAMAICA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Mr. Phillip Ramson PRINCIPAL DIRECTOR, NATIONAL INTEGRITY ACTION Ms. Danielle S. Archer DIRECTOR GENERAL, MAJOR ORGANISED CRIME & ANTI-CORRUPTION AGENCY (MOCA) Colonel Desmond Edwards
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUzNTI=