... Programme to strengthen community organisations

IN THE meantime, executive directorof the NIA, Professor Trevor Munroe, explained that the main objective of the programme, which began last year, is to strengthen community organisations, and in particular 4-H Clubs, to produce high-quality volunteers to participate in anti-corruption efforts and activities.

He explained that an essential part of the project is the establishment of centres of excellence “to be focal points for applied research on anti-corruption strategies and policies” to support the work of the Integrity Champions.

“Already, five centres of excellence have been established in Kingston, St. James, Ocho Rios, St. Catherine, and Clarendon — each of which shall serve as training facilities for those trained to train others,” Professor Munroe informed.

For his part, charge d’affaires, United States Embassy, Eric Khant, assured the US Government’s continued support in the fight against corruption, noting that over the past five-years, the US Government has spent nearly US$12 million through USAID and other channels to provide training and equipment to Jamaica for anti-corruption initiatives.

This was the first batch of trainers to receive certification under the programme, which is slated to end in March 2019. The Integrity Champions, who hail from Kingston, Clarendon, St Ann, St James, Westmoreland, Hanover, Trelawny, St Catherine and St Thomas, underwent an intensive two days of training.