Is fighting corruption a civic responsibility?
THE TYPICAL discussion about corruption in Jamaica tends to focus on corrupt government officials who perpetuate a corrupt system of governance. The solutions tend to focus on anti-corruption legislation, strong law enforcement, smart technologies and building related institutions to fight corruption.
Typically, we tend to ignore the fact that many Jamaicans who are not in government perpetuate a culture of corruption through their own practices or inaction. Further, we typically do not see ordinary Jamaicans as having any responsibility to fight corruption. Most of us see this as the work of the law-enforcement agencies, the contractor general, the National Integrity Action, among others.
I suggest that if citizens see fighting corruption as a civic responsibility with moral obligations, and act accordingly, the anti-corruption strategies will be more effective and sustainable.
The United Nations Convention Against Corruption, Transparency International, among other organisations tackling corruption, have recognised that a comprehensive, holistic approach to solving corruption must include a role for ordinary citizens. The role includes promoting honesty, integrity and related values; participating in policymaking; monitoring government to ensure compliance with their commitments to fighting corruption; advocating for better legislation and policy, and more. However, these are awesome responsibilities for ordinary citizen to undertake.