Durrant Pate/Contributor 

Jamaica’s anti-corruption agency, the Integrity Commission (IC), is reporting a mammoth 800% increase in the examination of statutory declarations filed during the 2024/2025 period.

In addition, there was a marked increase in the number of investigations done. Not to be outdone was the Corruption Prevention Division, which disseminates information far and wide about the work of the IC, which is responsible for receiving and vetting statutory declarations of assets and liabilities of senior public officers, including Members of Parliament and Senators. 

This was executed through training sessions and informative interactions with the public of all ages. The IC says the 2024/2025 financial year was one of change, growth and resilience in which misinformation from uninformed sources was plentiful but did not deter its continued focus to operate per the Integrity Commission Act (ICA) in the effort to minimise corruption. 

Onslaught of misinformation 

“Interestingly, there is reason to conclude that the onslaught of misinformation has served to pique the general interest of the public in the workings of the commission and in understanding how the Commission can work for them on a personal level,” the IC declared in its 2024/2025 Annual Report, which was tabled in the Senate last week. The commission reports that employees are showing interest in the opportunity to make Protected Disclosures. 

IC Chairman, retired High Court judge Justice Carol Lawrence Beswick, pointed to the fact that “the Integrity Commission has worked assiduously to eliminate corruption from the several angles detailed in the report. Naysayers abound, but have not deterred the positive focus of the hardworking and dedicated staff and directors. Instead, they have energised the commission to work even harder, ensuring compliance with the laws that govern its operations and mandate.”

She extended an invitation for “all those who want a corruption-free Jamaica to join the fight against corruption—to not only support by mouthing words, genuine as the words may be, but to also take action to help in the fight.” 

Confidentiality and Security 

The security of information kept by the IC is of the highest priority, and its data backup infrastructure was successfully completed during the review period.

In terms of social media, the commission has created two additional social media pages, Facebook and Instagram, to allow a wider cross-section of the public to share information with and from the IC. 

Finances 

Utilisation of the approved budget of approximately J$1.8 billion approached the 100% mark. Also, the very generous additional funding from the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of more than J$29 million was gratefully received. 

This funding provided support for key projects and the effective operation of the commission, including but not limited to software licences and training for the Case Management System.