Four Ways to Tackle Corruption in Jamaica
Jamaica has ambitions of becoming the place to live, do business, and raise a family. For the Caribbean nation to achieve its goals, there are several challenges that it needs to urgently address. One such challenge is the issue of corruption that has marred successive governments with each administration having its share of questionable spending and handling of public funds. I will briefly share four major strategies that my country should use to help us achieve our development goals, gain the confidence of our citizens, and become a model in the international community for achieving growth and transparency through good governance.
Money matters in Politics
Implementation of regulations that govern donations, contributions, and spending of political organizations, including elected officials and civil servants will assist in creating greater transparency and stem corrupt practices. Such legislation will allow for full disclosure and easy accessibility of information to members of the public. Some companies already practice disclosure of contributions made to political parties in Jamaica but it needs to be done on a much wider scale.
All contributors must disclose their political contributions to dispel concerns about the motives behind large contributions which raise questions of whether the donations were accompanied by hidden motives and as such obliges the political party to the giver (Ewing 2007,89). Politics, as an institution, is a critical part of our country and directly affects us as citizens. Instituting measures that allow for transparency will not only sure up accountability and integrity in our institutions, but will also increase the confidence of Jamaicans in the government.
Technology, Data, and Access to Information
Increased usage of technology and communications tools will clearly outline procedures and requirements for customers of government agencies and limit the bargaining power of corrupt officials. Additionally, this will increase the volume of data curated by the government which can be used in management and planning. Companies around the world rely on data to create sophisticated market and management analysis. The government should be no different. “ With millions of gigabytes of data produced every day by governments and businesses worldwide, whole new avenues open up for the fight against corruption. When government data and other data relevant to governance is open, accessible and interoperable, the possibilities for scrutiny and accountability increases”( Vushri and Hodess 2017, 8). To assist in the accumulation of data all government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in Jamaica must fully embrace technology and have interactive web pages that are current and able to facilitate online transactions.
Information related to the procedures involved in handling matters at government offices and agencies must be made readily available to the public on websites and in print media. This will guarantee that persons wishing to do business are fully aware of the requirements including costs and duration for the procedure when conducting business with the government. Furthermore, documents required at different stages in carrying out the process can also be made available online for viewing, adding further transparency and ease of mind.
Organization and Legislation
In creating organizations to tackle issues of corruption, Jamaica must ensure that such legislation is comprehensive and enables these bodies to carry out their duties effectively. The Caribbean nation may draw from legislation passed in countries that have a more comprehensive and advanced knowledge of anti-corruption policies and good governance such as New Zealand and Norway. Including structural measures that effectively allow for proper checks and balances to our democracy would aid in achieving our development goals. Jamaica is not at a loss for agencies to monitor corruption. So far, legislation has been passed to establish the Major Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), the Office of the Contractor General (OCG), and the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM)to name a few. There is also the presence of non-governmental bodies such as the National Integrity Action Forum and Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ). The real issue however is establishing that the existing government agencies are strengthened through legislation, adequate financing, and given a proper organizational framework for them to tackle corruption in a comprehensive way.
The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in providing reasons for the dismissal of the appeals in the cases Lewin v Diah and INDECOM v Police Federation noted that “the Commission and its Commissioner and staff similarly have no implied power to prosecute incident offences.” The Privy Council further outlined that “prosecutorial function (is allocated) to the Director of Public Prosecution.” Since the ruling, calls have been made by the Commissioner of INDECOM to have the Act amended to enable the Agency to have the authority to effectively carry out a comprehensive mandate which includes the arrest and prosecution of members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Defense Force and Correctional Services. The Jamaican government has a duty to its citizens to ensure that its legislative agenda includes mechanisms to strengthen and fortify agents of the state charged with the responsibility for monitoring corruption. Thereby signaling to the Jamaican public, and by extension the world that in Jamaica regardless of wealth, social status, and any other privilege, corruption by any individual will not be tolerated.
Whistleblower Protections
Securing adequate whistleblower protection will enable persons within the private and public sector to report on corruption safely, without fear of reprisal, knowing that they are protected under the Jamaican constitution. Presenting individuals with avenues that are backed by strong legislation will aid in bolstering support for the Jamaican government and underscore good governance. This will require a shift from a culture of silence but through legislation and campaigns, benefits can be realized. Whistleblower protection laws can provide an institutionalized framework for the protection of individuals. Additionally, such laws must be precise, clear, and comprehensive while providing whistleblowers with substantial assurances (Terracol, Brown, Devitt et al 2018,73). By instituting strong whistleblower protections, Jamaica will signal to our citizens that we are committed to fighting corruption through cooperation and responsible citizenship.
Jamaica must implement adequate legislation to support its fight against corruption. The legislations proposed to tackle corruption must have teeth and allow for a clear organizational framework that fosters intergovernmental cooperation among anti-corruption agencies and bodies. All contributions made to political parties and individuals should be fully disclosed with no lower or upper limits. This is integral to increasing the confidence of Jamaican citizens in our political institutions. Technology must be used to ensure that corrupt actors cannot bypass government policies that support the transparency and integrity of our institutions. Additionally the government must use data to more effectively plan and manage resources. Finally, the Jamaican government must enact comprehensive legislation that creates protection for whistleblowers and fosters an environment in which individuals can report without fear of reprisal or shame.
Bibliography
Ewing, K. D. The Cost of Democracy: Party Funding in Modern British Politics. Portland, Or., Oxford and Portland : Hart Publishing, 2007.
Terracol, Marie, AJ Brown, John Devitt, Giorgio Fraschini, Hannah De Jong, Suzanna Khoshabi, Nicole-Marie Meyer, Pavel Nechala, Arron Phillips, Lotte Rooijendijk, and Barbora Tholtova. A BEST PRACTICE GUIDE FOR WHISTLEBLOWING LEGISLATION. Report. Transparency International, 2018. 69–73. Accessed May 30, 2020. doi:10.2307/resrep20586.12.
Vrushi, Jon, and Robin Hodess. CONNECTING THE DOTS: Building the Case for Open Data to Fight Corruption. Report. Transparency International, 2017. 7–9. Accessed May 30, 2020. doi:10.2307/resrep20526.5.
