Jason Robinson | Corruption, power and politics …the poison of our nation

“Corruption undermines the rule of law, leads to violations of human rights, and allows organised crime and other threats to human security to flourish.”

– Kofi Annan

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck, in an interview on Nationwide radio, stated that “Jamaica is not doing that badly” in terms of corruption in the region. This is a statement I find worrying, having seen the social and economic destruction of this phenomenon.

Despite years of anti-corruption rhetoric (both administrations) and currently having a corruption framework in place, The Gleaner reports that Jamaica still loses “US$738 million” or “five per cent of GDP” to corruption annually. Studies have shown a link between grand corruption, power and politics. And, as the World Bank’s (WB) Dr Francesca Recanatina correctly puts it, “Dirty money and corruption are, at their core, issues about politics and power.”

All proceeds from corruption have been declared illicit by the United Nations (UN) and the WB. Therefore, if our corruption cost is “US$738 million” (over J$98 billion annually), two important questions should come to mind – who is receiving this money? And what is it being used for? If money doesn’t have wings, there must be an organised system to move it through our economic system.

Grand corruption interlinks with organised crime, which is defined by the UN as: “A group of three or more persons that was not randomly formed; existing for a period of time; acting in concert with the aim of committing at least one crime punishable by at least four years’ incarceration; in order to obtain, directly or indirectly, a financial or other material benefit.”

SERIOUS THREATS

A recent study shows that criminal organisations often play a political role in many countries around the world. As a result, money, contracts and other investments are diverted to areas controlled by these organisations. The link between criminality and Jamaican politics was recently highlighted in a Gleaner article titled ‘Politicians hugging up gangsters will be exposed – Samuda’, in which Senator Matthew Samuda stated that “Prominent people in the political space are hugging up gangsters, supporting dons, and funding criminality.”

With that said, it left no room for speculation. And may provide for an even deeper understanding of the unprecedented levels of ‘silent genocide’ we call murders in this country. After all, it was Mao Zedong who said, “Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.”

Over the last 30 years, grand corruption and organised crime have been two of our most serious problems. Persons who continue to misuse public funds must be held accountable. However, this requires political will; a bipartisan approach to political leadership; and a serious demonstration from the private sector, civil society and citizens.

It must be made very clear that corruption and organised crime are serious threats to our economy and financial institutions, as well as clear and present dangers to national security.

Jason Robinson is a former organised crime investigator and a graduate of the Caribbean Maritime University. He holds a Master of Science in security administration and management. Email feedback to jasona_robinson78@yahoo.com and columns@gleanerjm.com