Munroe: Curbing corruption key to achieving five per cent growth in four years

PROFESSOR TREVOR Munroe, executive director of the National Integrity Action (NIA), has labelled corruption “a key element in economic underperformance and a major obstacle to poverty alleviation and development”.

Munroe was presenter for the 12th annual CIN Lecture Series held last Thursday evening at the Schomburg Center in New York.

During his address, Munroe outlined seven critical elements to curbing corruption, which he said was imperative to achieving the national objective of five per cent growth in four years.

Among those elements he outlined was the strengthening of anti-corruption legislation; the establishment and enhancement of institutions for the investigation and prosecution of corruption; the enforcement of anti-corruption legislation without fear or favour and the resocialisation of youth.

Also key, Munroe said, is the reinforcement of public awareness regarding the cost of corruption and the value of integrity; the building of public demand; and the strengthening of citizens’ organisations.

Following the presentation, West Indies Home Contractors, title sponsor of this years CIN Lecture, honoured Munroe for his support of good governance in Jamaica and the Caribbean, “in particular his advocacy for integrity, which is one of the key pillars of democratic governance”.

Among those present were Butch Hendrickson, CEO of the National Baking Company; Lowell Hawthorne, president and CEO of Golden Krust; Derrick Reckord of Grace-Kennedy; and Una Clarke, former New York City councilwoman.

The CIN Lecture Series was conceptualised by CIN’s CEO Stephen Hill to present visionary Caribbean leaders who reflect on regional affairs and provide hope and direction for the future.