The perennial anti-corruption deficit looms large

Public policy at serious risk in Jamaica

IRRESPECTIVE OF who is participating in the discourse, I am always impressed with the fervour displayed when the topic of discussion is corruption.

There are very good reasons for this: the normalisation of corruption is, of course, frightening to those who are aware of its negative effects; corruption has a corrosive effect on public policies and can adversely affect policy outcomes; corruption is a cultural and societal problem; corruption is antithetical to good public management, and it undoubtedly poses serious development challenges.

There is also a feeling among many persons in Jamaica that there is differential enforcement of our anti-corruption laws. Most significant, perhaps, is the fact that our key actors have not tackled the problem with the commitment and vigour required to arrest the problem, before we are down the abyss.

To appreciate just how dangerous corruption is, we need only look at some of the problems confronting the security sector and the complex web that has been woven between so-called legitimate and illegitimate players, and the devastating impact this has had on the moral and social fabric of the society. The State has played an active role in creating and, dare I say, institutionalising the corruption monster, and now it must demonstrate its willingness to take the hard decisions to solve the problem. It must sacrifice the personal gains guaranteed by corruption for the common good in the society. Our leaders, and those who aspire to leadership, must leave no doubt in our minds about their willingness to halt this dubious practice.

The problem, as we are aware, does not necessarily lie with the laws and institutional framework, but with the failure to punish violators and hold them accountable. Consequently, the perennial implementation deficit looms large. But this is not the only problem. The absence of sustained public outrage and a dedicated, collective group, which cuts across age, class, and educational barriers, to demand accountability and push for change, constitutes another failure. The participation of civil society is critical but civil society champions should reflect and be more representative of the diverse Jamaican public.