Corruption is rightly called one of the most insidious social phenomena. It is an assault on our democracy as it erodes trust in public institutions and has detrimental effects on human rights in our country. To effectively address the issue of corruption involves a shift in perception, whereby corruption is viewed not as being solely a misappropriation of wealth and distortion of expenditure, but rather as a potential violation of human rights. When corruption occurs, it means a denial of one’s social and economic rights and is a threat to our civil and political rights. Perception of corruption and reality do not always match perfectly, as corruption can take many guises going beyond bribes, such as conflicts of interest. The organization therefore calls on parliamentarians to strengthen the anti-corruption legislative framework, especially the act governing the Integrity Commission. Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) also urges citizens to unite and demand accountability from public officials who engage in corrupt practices. Only then can we ensure that our rights and freedoms are protected. Jamaicans must also unite around protecting whistleblowers who come forward with information about corruption. We need to create a culture where speaking out against corruption is not only accepted but encouraged. By doing so, we can ensure that the voices of the people are heard and that those who commit corrupt acts are held responsible. Twenty years on from the first observation of International Anti Corruption Day, IACD, the Press Association of Jamaica, PAJ, vows to continue fighting acts of corruption in the public and private sector. The PAJ pledges that the light of journalism will be used to penetrate every crevice used to mask corruption. The PAJ is proud of the role it played on the committee empowered by then Prime Minister Bruce Golding in December 2007, to modernize the laws relating to libel and slander. Our work helped to make it easier for journalists to expose those engaged in acts of corruption. The PAJ saw it necessary to lend its time and expertise to the reform exercise in order to create a reality where journalists were empowered to report on corruption and protect the public interest. As we mark IACD 2023, the PAJ salutes the work of the Integrity Commission and its forerunner organization, the Office of the Contactor General. Make no mistake, the country needs a strong Integrity Commission to serve as a deterrent to illicit enrichment among our public servants. The PAJ is proud to stand as an anti-corruption Ambassador and an enabler in the fight against graft at all levels. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JAMAICANS FOR JUSTICE Ms. Mickel Jackson PRESIDENT, PRESS ASSOCIATION OF JAMAICA Mr. Milton Walker I am delighted to celebrate the work of the Integrity Commission (IC) and offer my best wishes for your excellent work on this International Anti-Corruption Day. A “standard bearer” is a military officer responsible for carrying the sacred symbol of the unit’s being and mission, its flag. This metaphor is applicable to the IC, whose mandate is to ‘take a stand’ against the culture of graft, greed and unethical governance, which hinder national peace and stagnate prosperity and progress. The IC undergirds Jamaica’s respected democratic traditions by upholding the standards of integrity, accountability and transparency with the mandate to fearlessly promote righteousness, with the understanding that nation-building is best accomplished when all affairs are conducted with “clean hands and pure hearts” (Ps 24:4-5) I applaud the IC for raising awareness, providing educational material and guiding the Jamaican public on practical corruption issues. For this reason, I implore all Jamaicans to give unwavering support to this important institution as it engages anti-corruption work on behalf of, and in the interest of the nation. More broadly, I encourage our people to embrace and engage the fight against corruption as a personal endeavour and as a national undertaking. As we join the United Nations and the anti-corruption agencies around the world to commemorate International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9, 2023- under the theme “UNCAC at 20 Uniting the World Against Corruption” it is critical for us as public servants to play our part in eradicating the pervasive menace that is corruption. In this quest to unite the world against corruption, it is imperative for us to delve into the multifaceted aspects of fostering transparency, ethical governance, and public trust. This collective effort requires a commitment to cultivating a culture of integrity within governmental institutions. Transparency serves as the cornerstone of this endeavour. By ensuring that the actions, decisions, and processes within the public sector are open and accessible, we dismantle the veils that corruption often hides behind. Clear and open communication fosters trust between governing bodies and the public they serve, creating a foundation of accountability. Ethical governance, intertwined with transparency, sets the standard for responsible conduct as well as implementing and upholding ethical principles in decision-making processes, resource allocation, and policy formulation is fundamental. This commitment acts as a powerful deterrent to corrupt practices, emphasizing a dedication to the greater good and the well-being of our society. Public trust, once eroded by corruption, can be rebuilt through unwavering commitment to transparency. We must continue to establish robust mechanisms for oversight and accountability, thus ensuring that those in positions of power are held responsible for their actions. This not only acts as a deterrent but also reaffirms the public’s faith in the institutions that govern them. In this united front against corruption in the world, the focus extends beyond eliminating individual instances; it involves creating a sustainable culture of integrity in public and private entities. It requires a continuous, collaborative effort to enact and enforce anti-corruption measures, fostering an environment where public resources are utilized for the collective benefit of our nation. Through this shared commitment, we redefine the narrative of the public sector, laying the groundwork for a global alliance against corruption. GENERAL SECRETARY, JAMAICA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES Rev. Newton Dixon DO YOUR PART IN THE FIGHT TO ERADICATE CORRUPTION PRESIDENT, JAMAICA CIVIL SERVICE ASSOCIATION Ms. Techa Clarke-Griffiths, MBA
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