NIA gets funding to campaign for anti-bribery laws

The fight to curtail corruption in Jamaica has been strengthened with the signing yesterday of a J$19.5-million agreement between the British High Commission and the National Integrity Action (NIA) to push for anti-bribery laws locally.

As part of its campaign, the NIA will help raise public awareness about the need to promulgate anti-bribery legislation that promotes integrity in both the public and private sectors.

The signing of the agreement at the British High Commission in Kingston on Friday comes days before the world observes International Anti-Corruption Day today.

Jamaica currently lacks an anti-bribery legislation, but through this campaign, the NIA will advocate for anti-bribery law and seek to bolster public support for Jamaica’s broader anti-corruption framework.

British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Judith Slater expressed her country’s commitment to this partnership, stating that “Corruption undermines public trust and economic growth”.

She said the UK is pleased to support the NIA’s efforts to increase awareness and, empower Jamaicans to strive for accountability and integrity in all sectors. “Partnerships like these demonstrate our shared commitment to fostering good governance and building a brighter future for Jamaica,” she said.

Slater said the UK has been a steadfast supporter of Jamaica’s anti-corruption efforts, primarily through capacity building for government agencies tasked with investigating and prosecuting corruption. However, civil society plays an equally critical role in raising public awareness, advocating for reform, and educating communities.

For its part, the NIA said although Jamaica is developing its first national anti-corruption strategy through the Integrity Commission and other key stakeholders, a nationwide anti-corruption campaign has yet to resonate deeply within the public space.

Danielle Archer, the NIA’s principal director, said the agreement showcases the United Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening Jamaica’s democratic institutions. “Their extraordinary support for the NIA in advocating anti-bribery laws is encouraging. Such legislation would undoubtedly promote fairness and equality by curbing cronyism and nepotism, enhance transparency in transactions and governance, and ensure proper resource allocation,” Archer said.

She said anti-bribery legislation will boost public trust and make Jamaica more attractive for investment and economic growth. “It is vital for combating corruption in our society,” she added.