The Integrity Commission (IC) says it has successfully conducted a series of anti-corruption, good governance, and integrity sensitisation workshops over the course of the second quarter of the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

This forms part of a concerted effort by the anti-corruption oversight agency to bolster anti-corruption measures and promote good governance across various government agencies and institutions.

From July 1 to September 30, the IC, spearheaded by its Corruption Prevention, Stakeholder Engagement, and Anti-Corruption Strategy Division, successfully administered training to representatives of a diverse array of entities.

According to the IC, this crucial initiative aims to fortify Jamaica’s commitment to combating corruption and upholding the principles of integrity and ethical conduct in public life.

The extensive training programme was extended to representatives of three government ministries and 11 public bodies, encompassing a total of 14 entities.

The entities included:

1. The Ministry of Justice
2. The Ministry of Industry, Investment, and Commerce
3. The Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs
4. Bank of Jamaica
5. Jamaica Customs
6. Factories Corporation of Jamaica
7. EXIM Bank
8. The Department of Cooperatives and Friendly Societies
9. HEART/NSTA Trust
10. The National Road Operating and Constructing Company Limited
11. Kingston & St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC)
12. Anti-Dumping and Subsidies Commission
13. National Land Agency
14. Jamaica Ultimate Tyre Company

The workshops were crafted by the IC to cover a comprehensive range of subjects about anti-corruption measures, integrity, and principles of good governance. Additionally, participants were provided with in-depth insights into the commission’s statutory mandates, enforcement functions, and Jamaica’s anti-corruption laws.

The workshop modules delved into a multitude of critical topics, including an overview of Jamaica’s anti-corruption institutional and legislative frameworks. Participants were educated about the various forms and costs of corruption, emphasising the responsibility of the country’s leaders and lawmakers to combat this issue head-on.

Furthermore, the workshops placed a significant emphasis on principles of good governance, integrity, ethical conduct, and accountability in public life. It is envisioned that the knowledge and expertise gained through these workshops will not only strengthen the integrity of these entities, but also contribute to a more transparent and accountable public sector in Jamaica.