CAPRI Launches Anti-Corruption Innovations Study

CAPRI launched its anti-corruption innovations study at a public forum on Monday, May 29, 2017 at the Spanish Court Hotel’s Worthington property. The think tank brought together Colonel Desmond Edwards, Director General – MOCA, Professor Trevor Munroe, Executive Director – NIA, Ms. Jeanette Calder, Civil Society Advocate – JAMP, and Ms. Desiree Phillips, Research Officer – CAPRI for a panel discussion on the study’s findings and this was moderated by Mrs. Emily Shields.

Phillips shared that major causes of corruption in Jamaica were found to be as there is a general reluctance to prosecution of corruption cases. She further added that severe resource constraints within anti-corruption institutions result in narrow results, in addition to there being ample opportunities for corrupt activity to persist in public sector agencies. With weak political will continuing to impede the fight against corruption, and cultural acceptance bringing even more difficulty in addressing the issue, Phillips stated that any innovation would have to engage all members of society to effect real change.

The presentation concluded with Ms. Phillips introducing CAPRI’s proposal for an anti-corruption innovation: a “Citizen Feedback Monitoring Program”, which is a mechanism allowing the government to collect and aggregate feedback from citizens visiting government agencies, and to take action on the flaws highlighted by this (anonymous) feedback.  The aggregated feedback will be posted online, which will enable individuals and organizations to act as watchdogs and hold agencies accountable.