Delroy Chuck
Delroy Chuck
WHETHER WE agree or not, there's a widespread perception, and perhaps the reality, that Jamaica is a corrupt nation. When Transparency International rates Jamaica poorly on the scale of corruption, instead of griping, it is time to act firmly to root out the pervasive and perennial corruption. We can bury our heads in the sand and ignore the patent signs that reveal that Jamaica still suffers from injustice, lawlessness and other corrupt practices. If we were really honest, we would readily admit that corruption remains a threat to society.
It is not enough to say that we have passed legislation and set up commissions to prevent corruption. We must demonstrate that corruption is continuously identified, prosecuted and punished. In fact, if passing laws and talking about law and order were enough, Jamaica would be a clean and disciplined country. But who enforces these laws? Who enforces the anti-litter laws, the noise abatement regulations and impound animals roaming the streets?
COURAGEOUS PEOPLE
Jamaica needs more courageous people like Mayor Desmond McKenzie, who are prepared to walk the walk and not just to talk the talk. Jamaica needs leaders who value strong actions and meaningful accomplishments more than the tiresome public relations and repetitive announcements of great things to come, which oftentimes never do. Corruption threatens the society and contributes to the lawlessness overwhelming the nation. When police officers continue to mete out abuses, inflict injuries and shoot innocent Jamaicans, it is flagrant injustice if the process of investigation and prosecution is corrupted. Increasingly, Jamaicans are losing trust and confidence in the legal system to deliver justice and provide redress, especially where the allegations are against the security forces.
Operation Kingfish, in fact any police operation, can only succeed if the people have faith and confidence that the police will carry out their duties professionally. Can we truly say that the police deserve that trust? It is not enough to ask for the people's support, it must be earned. If corruption is not a problem, why is it that most people believe and know that unless you have connections, or pay out big money, you are unlikely to be favoured for the big government contracts, or get the needed licences to conduct businesses and engage in commerce? If persons in authority were not corrupt and prepared to turn a blind eye it would be impossible for so much drugs to move through Jamaica. If some custom officers were not corrupt, it would be impossible for so much uncustomed goods to pass through the ports. Is it not a fact that gun licences, drivers' licences, a host of permits, etc. can be bought, if the price is right? Within the private sector, corruption is even more flagrant as without the acquiescence and collusion of businessmen eager to pay for favours, corruption could not thrive.
The countries that are prepared to stamp out corruption and keep their governments clean are the ones that ultimately provide their citizens with the best quality of life. Is it any wonder that Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, is possibly the most corrupt? In spite of the oil wealth of Nigeria, Russia, Venezuela, and others, rampant corruption is making life a misery for their citizens.
CLEAN UP JAMAICA
If we are to clean up Jamaica, we have to start with the politics and the administration of government. If people can only get elected with long pockets, threats of violence and dishonest practices, it sends the wrong signals and, more destructively, the electoral debts have to be repaid and it can only be done through more corruption. When we increase the power of the state and provide more discretion for bureaucrats to exercise, we open up more doors for corrupt practices. When the public trust is abused, it must be punished and condemned, instead of being exonerated as youthful or verbal exuberance.
For the good of the nation, it is of fundamental importance that corruption should be exposed and excised. Yet, unless our leaders take a firm, determined and strong stance against corruption, it will only continue to fester and remain a threat to society and everything we consider worthwhile.
Delroy Chuck is an attorney-at-law and Opposition Member of Parliament. He can be
contacted by email at Delchuck@hotmail.com.
