CONFERENCE REPORT
FIFTH ANNUAL COMMONWEALTH CARIBBEAN ASSOCIATION OF INTEGRITY COMMISSIONS AND ANTI-CORRUPTION BODIES CONFERENCE (CCAICACB)
GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS
3-7 JUNE 2019
“TRANSFORMING WORDS INTO ACTION: REVITALISING THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION” PUBLICATION CREDITS WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED IN 2020 BY THE CAYMAN ISLANDS COMMISSION FOR STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT.
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CONTENTS
Message from the Secretary-General 02 Conference Overview 08 Welcoming Remarks 10 CCAICACB Chairman’s Remarks 12 Opening Proclamation 15 Acronyms and Abbreviations 16 A Note About This Report 17 Opening Ceremony Agenda 18 Opening Ceremony Photos 19 Locations of Delegates 20 Day 1 21 Day 2 24 Day 3 28 Day 4 32 Day 5 33 Appendices 36 Acknowledgements 83 | MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY- PAGE | 02 GENERAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH
MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH
3 JUNE 2019 5TH ANNUAL COMMONWEALTH CARIBBEAN ASSOCIATION OF INTEGRITY COMMISSIONS AND ANTI-CORRUPTION BODIES CONFERENCE
Your Excellency, Globally, we are facing a tidal wave of honourable ministers, corruption. distinguished delegates, Commonwealth friends The IMF estimates that bribery costs roughly and colleagues…. 1.5 to 2 dollars trillion annually.
With such dire social and economic We who are gathered here know only too well consequences at stake, the fight against the pernicious economic, social and political corruption has to be a priority for all our impact that is wrought by entrenched member countries. corruption in the lives of people in our communities and in the lives of our nations. In 2015, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime International organisations, development estimated that 2 to 5 per cent of global practitioners, and leaders who are sensitive to domestic product is laundered each year, the plight of their people and the wellbeing of amounting to something between 800 billion their countries, all recognise that corruption and 200 trillion dollars annually. undermines and undoes development. World Bank research has revealed that corrupt So, in our determination truly to live up to the public officials in developing countries receive meaning and ambition of our name between 20 and 40 billion dollars in bribes ‘Commonwealth’, corruption is a cancer we annually. are compelled to confront.
It undermines in ways which are truly tragic So, tackling corruption has to be a priority of the ability of our countries to deliver inclusive the highest order if we are in earnest about and sustainable economic growth and social achieving the Sustainable Development Goals progress. – and we are.
TWhis mhakes trhee the mwe foer o uar cornfeerence as urgent as it is appropriate: “Transforming Doing so brings multiple benefits; poverty is Words into Action: Revitalising the Fight reduced, economic stability and growth are Against Corruption”. increased, and standards of living raised. TODAY | MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY- PAGE | 03 GENERAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH
That is why SDG 16 incorporates specific Annual meetings of the association have been targets relating to reducing corruption, opportunities to conduct training and gain bribery, and illicit financial flows. from peer-to-peer learning, and to select And the IMF has made clear that the success countries for benchmarking. of all other SDGs depends crucially on getting to grips with the corrosive cancer of An example of this was the Office of the corruption. Contractor General of Jamaica offering
capacity-building support to the Grenada So, we all need to take swift and decisive Integrity Commission on procurement action to improve transparency and procedures, monitoring and investigation of accountability, and to build confidence that government contracts. our institutions and systems are corruption- free. Another was Grenada providing training That is why the Commonwealth has been centre facilities for the Commonwealth to active in providing practical technical deliver key capacity-building programmes for assistance and development support for institutions in the region. national anti-corruption agencies to build their effectiveness in dealing with corruption. Our Commonwealth anti-corruption work programme demonstrates our collective In our anti-corruption work we employ a determination to eradicate this scourge, and it three-pronged approach, which involves has achieved a global recognition, notably as research, capacity-building and networking. recipient of the 2018 International Anti- Corruption Excellence Award. This is being delivered through a strategy of establishing regional anti-corruption agency There have been many other glowing networks and training centres, facilitating testimonies from heads of Integrity closer cooperation and learning towards Commissions and Anti-Corruption Agencies: attaining SDG 16.
The Prime Minister of Grenada, The Right The networks promote collaboration and the Honourable Keith Mitchell, generously exchange among member countries of best said: practice and of practitioners.
“I thank the Commonwealth for the They also assist with peer review and with technical assistance it has given to measuring the capabilities of agencies against Grenada in particular and the benchmarks. Commonwealth Caribbean in general and look forward to the promotion of The Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Grenada as centre of excellence in Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption anticorruption work in the Caribbean.” Bodies was created by the Commonwealth Secretariat in 2015. The Grenada Minister of Communications, Works, Physical WSinceh theen, wree ha vew seeen a calearr e Development, Public Utilities, ICT & strengthening of these institutions as a result Community Development, the of the collaboration this network has Honourable Gregory Bowen, concurs encouraged and facilitated. saying: T ODAY
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“The Commonwealth must be applauded financial support and expert advice in for its anti-corruption efforts under the the subject areas of public sector leadership of Commonwealth Secretary- governance and international Anti- General Patricia Scotland. This is the Corruption afforded to the association by the Commonwealth Secretariat through fourth year that Commonwealth has the sterling leadership of Dr Roger trained stakeholders, from Grenada and Koranteng, each year our association has regional participants.” grown in strength and purpose."
The Chair of the Grenada Integrity “His stewardship has been and continues Commission, Lady Trotman-Joseph, to be the source of strength for the wrote: Association members and we are honour bound and owing gratitude to say Thank “The Integrity Commission of Grenada You to the Commonwealth Secretariat, we could not have done it had it not would like to express our appreciation for been for his hard work and effort.” the services Grenada has received from
Commonwealth Secretariat through Dr The Chair of the Trinidad and Tobago Roger Koranteng." Integrity Commission, Justice Melville Baird, stated: "It was as a result of his inputs and guidance under the auspices of the “The Commonwealth Caribbean Commonwealth Association of Integrity Commissions and Secretariat that the Commonwealth Anti-Corruption Bodies is deeply indebted to the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Secretariat for its unstinting assistance Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies and for the gift of Dr Koranteng.” (CCAICACB) held its inaugural Conference in Grenada, in 2015." “The CCAICAB is still in its nascent stage and the waters through which our ship “The Commonwealth Secretariat has must sail in its battle against corruption provided the Integrity Commission in are fundamentally uncharted. The Grenada with invaluable support and Commonwealth secretariat through Dr through his professional skills and Koranteng has been an invaluable pilot, guiding, advising, encouraging.” competencies and capacity building
programmes. Grenada's Integrity The Secretary of the Saint Lucia Integrity Commission has begun to see the Commission, Ms Jean Morille, wrote: benefits of effecting synergies between all our anti-corruption agencies in “The Office of Integrity Commission of Grenada and the development of a Saint Lucia wishes to voice its National Anti-Corruption Strategic Plan.” appreciation and gratitude to the Commonwealth Secretariat for the The Chair of the Commonwealth excellent work of Dr Roger Koranteng in Caribbean Association of Integrity assisting Integrity Commissions and Anti- Corruption Bodies in the Commonwealth Commissions and Anti-Corruption in combating corruption.” WhBodeies,r Mer D irkw Haerriso na, wrritees in similar
vein: “His advice and assistance of to our nation and its citizens are immeasurable “Permit me to recognize and and of great necessity.” acknowledge the exemplary facilitation,
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Those warm encomiums of praise mean a The principles and guidance are consistent great deal to us, and they encourage us to with international standards, and go further in work even harder to support all that you are covering other areas of concern not previously doing both at regional level and in your addressed. various national settings to deliver change for the people and communities you serve. Indeed, this Commonwealth package is the first document of which we are aware that In 2016, very soon after I took up the connects all the areas of public and private responsibilities of Secretary-General, which conduct covered by our 22 benchmarks. had been entrusted to me by Heads of Government, I convened the Commonwealth Although designed to be achieved nationally, Tackling Corruption Together conference. compliance with some benchmarks can also be demonstrated by private sector It drew attention, in particular, to the need for organisations - for example that on a simple pan-Commonwealth tool to provide ‘Organisational Anti-Corruption Systems’. practical guidance on clear steps that can be taken to promote integrity and combat This will provide enterprises desiring to corruption – within government, and in private engage in procurement processes and pan- sector organisations. Commonwealth trade with a recognised standard of attainment and compliance. So, I am delighted to report that we at the Commonwealth Secretariat have responded Our intention would be for the benchmarks to to that need. be considered by Commonwealth Heads of Government when they meet next year in Through a consultative process with member Rwanda. countries we have developed Commonwealth Anti-Corruption Benchmarks. We will by that time be one third of the way through the implementation period for the Indeed, we continue to rely on your expertise UN Sustainable Development Goals. as the process of development and refinement continues. As we move on towards the halfway mark in that period, there is an urgent need for all Last month, the Commonwealth Secretariat governments to put in place effective convened a meeting of experts to review the execution, monitoring and evaluation benchmarks package, and I know that some structures for SDG implementation. of you participated and contributed at that gathering. The Commonwealth SDG Implementation Toolkit supports countries with policy gap The package consists of a set of 22 analysis, and with integrating SDG planning benchmarks, covering topics from sanctions into national development agendas, and for corruption offences to investigating and tracking and monitoring results. prosecuting authorities, and from political lobbying to disclosure of asset ownership. By impairing the ability of governments to collect tax fairly and efficiently, corruption WEach hbenechrmaerk isw defiened bay ar perinciple diverts resources away from the vitally stated at a high level, and contains detailed important investments that need to be made guidance for meeting the level of in areas such as health, education, and achievement set by the principle. renewable energy. T ODAY | MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY- PAGE | 06 GENERAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH
It tends to attract financing towards wasteful Index, Commonwealth countries are perceived projects with only short-term payoffs or as less corrupt than non-Commonwealth negative impact. countries.
The edge Commonwealth countries have over Corruption also acts as a tax on investment – non-Commonwealth countries on corruption or can block it altogether because of perception is corroborated by the World Bank uncertainty about demands for future bribes. Control of Corruption data from 2012 to 2017.
In the Caribbean region, Commonwealth Young people are deterred from investing in countries are also perceived as less corrupt skills and education – because, where there is than non-Commonwealth countries, with corruption, getting ahead depends on who respective CPI scores for those groupings in you know, not what you know. 2017 being 53 and 32.
World Bank Control of Corruption data Most damaging of all, corruption hurts the confirms this finding, with 2016 scores of 0.43 poor – keeping them poor, robbing them of for Caribbean Commonwealth countries their life chances and ruining their lives. against 0.32 for Caribbean non- Commonwealth countries. It hinders economic opportunity and social It is encouraging too that according to the mobility, undermines trust in institutions, and Transparency International listing of the ten causes social cohesion to unravel. most corrupt countries in the world, there are no Commonwealth Caribbean countries. All of these negative impacts are especially debilitating for youth. A contributory factor to this is Commonwealth leadership and cooperation which brings to When corruption is deeply embedded, far too our members wherever they are the benefits many young people find that they have no of collaborative working and collective action - with counterparts set in every continent and prospects, no sense of purpose, no ability to ocean. participate, to make their mark, to flourish, or to contribute to society. Small states such as many in this region face unique development challenges, and are They lose the motivation, become particularly vulnerable to exogenous shocks, such as natural disasters and climate change. disillusioned, disengaged, and disenchanted.
With limited economic opportunities and They lose hope – because corruption can be significant migration, they often face capacity soul-destroying. constraints.
But it does not have to be like that – and I am We assist our small states with access to sustainable financing, and help them to build optimistic that the Commonwealth Caribbean their resilience, and to make their voices is turning the tide against corruption. heard on the global stage.
And the good news continues - with the Indeed, at this time when multilateralism is further progress you are making through the under threat, and we see nationalism and narrow self-interest on the rise, the Wwork hof yeourr Ineteg riwty Coem maissirones and Anti- Commonwealth shines as a beacon of hope Corruption Bodies. and promise.
According to the 2017 Corruption Perception T ODAY | MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY- PAGE | 07 GENERAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH
Collaboration, based on the needs and interdependent lies at the heart of all that the perspectives of all members of our diverse Commonwealth brings to our world – and that family of nations, is central to our includes the work of this 5th Commonwealth Commonwealth approach. Caribbean Integrity Commissions and Anti- Corruption Bodies Conference. We draw together countries at almost every stage of social, economic and political So let us work together with renewed vigour, development, including some of the smallest in hope and harmony, to bring health and and poorest and some of the largest and wholeness to our Commonwealth. richest, including five G20 members.
Uniting in a spirit of goodwill and mutual Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC support, the similarities of our systems and Secretary-General of the Commonwealth institutions enable lessons learnt in one setting to be shared, adapted and applied elsewhere, so that the benefits of progress can be enjoyed more swiftly by others and for the good of all.
So where some of our members may lead on holistic interventions that reduce negative human impacts on the environment and regenerate our common earth, others may show the way on measures to advance social inclusiveness or gender equality, or pioneer pathways towards greater political or economic development.
By sharing knowledge of what has worked, and understanding better what has not, any one may encourage others to move in positive directions.
By offering practical guidance and support, all can help hasten beneficial change.
In response to the expectations of our citizens, we continually raise the standards we set for ourselves – whether through mutual support and encouragement among the anti- corruption agencies of our member nations, or by working together to develop WCommhoneweralteh A nwti-Coerru pationr Beenchmarks.
An understanding of how as countries, as TcommOunities aDnd as inAdividuaYls we are |CONFERENCE OVERVIEW PAGE | 08
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
DR ROGER KORANTENG INTERIM ADVISER AND HEAD, PUBLIC SECTOR GOVERNANCE COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT
THIS SECTION IS COMPRISED OF PARTS OF DR KORANTENG’S CONFERENCE OVERVIEW SPEECH; THE ENTIRE SPEECH CAN BE FOUND IN THE APPENDICES.
I am pleased to give the Grenada who inaugurated the Association in overview of the 5th May 2015. Annual Commonwealth Caribbean Association of The effectiveness of the Association is based Integrity Commissions & on the “collective ownership” by its members, Anti-Corruption Bodies and the trust and confidence that member Conference. countries have in the Commonwealth
Secretariat to work on this important agenda As you are no doubt aware, the Commonwealth Secretariat, by means of its for dealing with corruption. convening power, established the This partnership, brokered by the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Commonwealth Secretariat, has led to the Integrity Commissions & Anti-Corruption institutionalisation of annual meetings of the Bodies Conference in 2015 to foster genuine partnerships among all Commonwealth heads of Integrity Commissions (ICs) and Anti- Caribbean member states. Corruption Bodies (ACBs) – these annual meetings of heads of ACBs act as a focal point I would like to recognise Dame Monica for the Association, providing a forum for Joseph, the then Chairman, and the heads to peer-review each country’s anti- Commissioners and staff of the Integrity corruption reports and share transferable Commission in Grenada, Mr Julian Johnson, experiences and peer learning. As members, the then Chairman of the Dominica Integrity we have traversed through a 5-year journey of Commission who worked with me and developing impactful results. The journey introduced me to Dame Monica Joseph, for started in 2015 with the Association’s meeting their pioneering roles in welcoming me to the region and Grenada in particular, that held in Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago in 2016, culminated in the establishment of the Jamaica in 2017, Turks and Caicos in 2018. This Commonwealth Caribbean Association. year the Heads of ICs and ACBs in the Commonwealth Caribbean is meeting here in WI cannhot emernteion thwe esetab liashmreent of this this beautiful Cayman Islands. Association without recognising with gratitude the strong political will of Prime While we acknowledge a positive profile Minister Mitchell and the Governor-General of achieved by the Association, challenges persist. T ODAY
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Much work that lies ahead of us include the will a welcome cocktail evening and closing pressing need to address issues such as illicit dinner. Index, Commonwealth countries are financial flows, unexplained wealth, etc. Since perceived as less corrupt than non- corruption has international dimension and Commonwealth countries. cross-border crimes, we need concerted efforts to address the menace. That’s why this The edge Commonwealth countries have over Association’s meetings have provided non-Commonwealth countries on corruption practical platforms for members by pooling perception is corroborated by the World Bank together the means, experience and resolve to Control of Corruption data from 2012 to 2017. address anti-corruption challenges. There is also an urgent call on governments to In the Caribbean region, Commonwealth strengthen and resource ICs and ACBs to countries are also perceived as less corrupt make them fit for purpose to combat complex than non-Commonwealth countries, with and sophisticated corrupt practices of the 21st respective CPI scores for those groupings in Century. 2017 being 53 and 32.
In terms of the Conference overview, the World Bank Control of Corruption data conference programme is in four parts - these confirms this finding, with 2016 scores of 0.43 are the opening ceremony, 3-day technical for Caribbean Commonwealth countries sessions, sight-seeing and AGM. against 0.32 for Caribbean non- Commonwealth countries. The opening ceremony sets the tone for the conference as we receive a welcome message The AGM is the final part of the Conference from Mrs Rosie Whittaker-Myles, Chairman, where the Heads of ICs and ACBs will issue the Commission for Standards in Public Life; conference communiqué, select the country to Remarks by Mr Dirk Harrison, Chairman, host the next conference, and elect the new Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Chairperson for the Association. Integrity Commission and Anti-Corruption Bodies; key note address by the special guest of honour, the Commonwealth Secretary- Dr Roger Koranteng General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC; and Interim Adviser and Head, Public Sector then the opening proclamation of the Governance Commonwealth Secretariat conference by His Excellency the Governor of the Cayman Islands, Martyn Roper OBE.
The technical sessions are where the conference business is conducted. These comprise of the country and expert presentations, group discussions and networking during and out of sessions.
WAll wohrk eandr neo fu nw maekes Jackr a egloomy person, so there will be one-day sight-seeing tour to the Stingray Sandbar & Rum Point Beach Adventure. I must also mention there
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WELCOMING REMARKS
MRS ROSIE WHITTAKER-MYLES CAYMAN ISLANDS COMMISSION FOR STANDARDS IN PUBLIC LIFE CHAIRPERSON
It is a great honour for me or laws that have not been brought into force to formally welcome you while others have inadequately staffed to the Cayman Islands and commissions which impede their effectiveness to this, the 5th Annual – this while all our countries have committed Conference of the Commonwealth to take a stand against corruption, to Caribbean Association of increased transparency and good governance. Integrity Commissions In other words, although some strides have and Anti-Corruption been made towards our common goal of Bodies under the Theme “Transforming Words eradicating corruption in our societies, there is into Action: Revitalising the Fight Against more to be done. Corruption”. We are especially pleased to have among us at this gathering the Secretary Someone I am honoured to call colleague and General for the Commonwealth Secretariat, friend would always caution, “When you fight the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, for the very corruption, corruption fights back”. The only first time since our inaugural meeting held in way to succeed in this fight is to strengthen Grenada in 2015. Madam Secretary-General, our own ethical resolve; to lobby our we appreciate your having journeyed with us respective governments for the resources and over the years. Although due to other laws needed to carry out our mandate and to commitments, you faithfully delivered virtual have a support unit – such as this Association remarks to us which have always been (as well as the Commonwealth Secretariat) on graciously received, we are truly honoured to have you in our presence today and to have which we can rely for assistance and guidance you participate in this Conference. You are no when needed. To this end, I am especially stranger to the Cayman Islands, so we pleased to announce that since his arrival in welcome you back. the Cayman Islands, discussions have started between Dr Koranteng, Interim Adviser and The theme of this year’s Conference reflects Head, Public Sector Governance for the our realities throughout the region. Many of Commonwealth Secretariat, and our Deputy Wus hahve peassrede an dw enfoerce da lawrse but lack the Governor and head of the Civil Service, to resources to carry out mandates; few of us assist in providing/coordinating training on have no laws and no commissions; some of us initiatives and policies aimed at corruption have commissions but inadequate laws or prevention within the Civil Service. T ODAY
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This week promises to be exciting, informative and extremely busy. With delegates attending from as far away as Guyana and as nearby as Jamaica; illustrious speakers and panellists who have offered their time to shine light and offer some solutions on this important subject, I assure you that each and every delegate in attendance will have an opportunity to participate in a meaningful way and will be able, upon your return home, to have at least one or two take-aways to improve your roles as Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies.
Notwithstanding the very busy agenda for the Conference, we have also ensured that you will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the natural beauty that we treasure so dearly in our Islands. I trust that you will enjoy Stingray City, Rum Point and more importantly, the warmth and kindness of the Caymanian people.
We are grateful to the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation, the Commonwealth Secretariat, and the Commission for Standards in Public Life and the Cayman Islands Government for their sponsorship of this Conference.
Mrs Rosie Whittaker-Myles Cayman Islands CSPL Chair
W here we are TODAY | CCAICACB CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS PAGE | 12
CCAICACB CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS
MR DIRK HARRISON CCAICACB CHAIRMAN
The abuse of entrusted Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, our power for private gain, taxpayers, those who pay and (unfortunately in simply put, defines some cases) those who do not, they represent corruption. We are all in in a metaphorical sense, as one stakeholder this room today as we are likened it, to the relationship between a part of the global fight tenant and his landlord, our institutions are against corruption. perceived as the landlord, and the sentiments However it must be acknowledged that the are not complimentary, to say the least, of perception of acts of corruption, or actual corruption thriving in any society, are their treatment of the tenant. Our symptoms of societal norms which, citizenry throughout the region have unfortunately, the man on the street believes witnessed, with their own eyes, corruption thrives with impunity. playing out and have in some cases unfortunately relied on anecdotal evidence, We cannot ignore the cries of apathy by the which in the absence of proof of real or citizens of our country that not enough, or circumstantial evidence, has sentenced many nothing, is being done to contain or stamp out a public servant and administrator (the corruption. Our institutions are facing landlords, the gatekeepers) to a place of no unprecedented scrutiny by law abiding return in public opinion. Credibility is shot! citizens – but the apathy of our people is of an abominable proportion which seems to be at a breaking point in some cases. The stark fact Institutions and policy makers are asking our is that some members of the public have in taxpayers to believe in a process of fighting some cases lost hope, and in some others they corruption to include drafting appropriate no longer care, and we, yes (the stakeholders) laws, having adequate and experienced and in this room are charged with the competent staff (who are properly responsibility to make a difference. A remunerated) and that they will win the fight difference, not tomorrow or next week but against corruption. But let us not kid ourselves Wnow! h The crriese ‘W e wWanet Ju saticer, Wee Want or be naïve – corruption and greed can never Justice’ are painfully loud and overbearing, be eliminated, but we must control these and especially now the Stevie Wonders of the forces of evil. world can see clearly. T ODAY
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Most interestingly, a recent World Bank Joseph, and through the expert facilitation of questionnaire posed the questions (words to the Commonwealth Secretariat guided by Dr the effect):‘has corruption gotten worse, is it Roger Koranteng Interim Adviser and Head, on the decline, or has it remained the same?’ I Public Sector Governance, of the Commonwealth Secretariat. therefore ask the question, then, what if any are the indicators existing that we will rely on I thank you Honourable Baroness Patricia to determine change or stagnancy, and, dear Scotland, Secretary-General, for your Mr Sherlock Holmes, what is the reason why facilitation; we are indeed and forever grateful we are here this week, I hope? Or, asked for the Commonwealth Secretariat’s another way: are we going up the down tremendous facilitation for the last five years escalator, where no perceived change has and trust that the support shall continue. We occurred? Or has there been improvement? as an association are in the midst of our Immediate past Chairman Lady Anande infancy, not yet able to but crawl on our own. But we must conduct our own self-assessment Trotman Joseph, chairman of the Grenada and determine where we are, up, down or the Integrity Commission, has called for and I same place on the Caribbean Commonwealth endorse a call, that the Caribbean Barometer after 5 years and I humbly say we Commonwealth needs its own Corruption have seen growth. Barometer. We cannot as an Association, however, ignore Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, if we some of the lessons of the last five years (what wish the tenants to “buy into” the process, any is an obvious trend) of Integrity Commissions process, that process of implementing anti- being understaffed, given little or no corruption measures, we need to consider the resources, their independence and man in the mirror phenomenal; what you see operational effectiveness being muttered by is what you get, but I will go even further and policy makers and legislators on both sides of the political divide, who in some cases lack state we must consider the corruption the wherewithal to do justice to the creation landscape, to be unequally yoked as in 2 of and existence of these Offices. We have Corinthians 6:14 the Good Book says “Be ye not seen powers watered down and functionalism unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for disabled to cause stagnancy in the name of what fellowship hath righteousness and development. unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness”. On a lighter note a Wearing a new set of old clothes each day, criminal law practitioner said to me years ago, as the Great J.K. Holt Jr used to tell a player, in discussing the plea bargain regime, that his Dula, at Kensington cricket club in Jamaica, clients are being asked to plead guilty but does not cut it. We must create institutions that they got no bargain. not just in name but in functionality and purpose. We must be guided by the partnerships and learn and grow from them as Having said that relationships matter they are the technical expertise and support, for the epicurean centre of success and or failure. example, provided by the Commonwealth So today marks an important milestone in the Secretariat through its Anti-Corruption life of this August association of Caribbean benchmarks and also the United Nations Commonwealth Integrity Commissions and Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) WAnti-Chorreuptrioen B odwies.e It was jruset five years Commentary on the Jakarta principles for ago that the Association began in the heart of Anti-Corruption Agencies, the European Grenada through the leadership of the then Union, Canada and other local and Chairman of the Association, Dame Monica international stakeholders.
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We must all, in closing, embrace change for good and we must create, establish, implement and enforce anti-corruption rules and regulations on and off the field of play during sporting activities, at the work place, and most importantly with our children, teaching them they must always do the right thing, even when no one is looking. If it is not true do not say it, and if it is not right do not say it.
On behalf of the association I thank our Deputy Chair of the CCAICACB Mrs Rosie Whittaker-Myles and the Secretariat for hosting through excellence our 5th Annual Conference.
Mr Dirk Harrison CCAICACB Chairman
Where we are TODAY | OPENING PROCLAMATION PAGE | 15
OPENING PROCLAMATION
HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR, MR MARTYN ROPER OBE
It is a pleasure for me to Furthermore, the Anti-Corruption be standing before you Commission, a sibling to the Commission for Standards in Public Life, remains a strong and today as Cayman hosts active oversight body, having received 166 the 5th Annual CCAICACB reports since its inception, with numerous Conference. The Cayman arrests, convictions and ongoing Islands have made great investigations. strides towards developing and implementing policies within the civil service and A Whistleblower Policy was effected for the civil service in 2017, which supports the strengthening our integrity oversight bodies confidential reporting of wrong-doing by over the last few years. public officials, whilst the Whistleblower Protection Law came into effect in 2018. The Whilst the Commission for Standards in Public civil service now also has the ability to utilize Life awaits the implementation date for the a whistleblower hotline staffed by an overseas Standards in Public Life Law it does not sit office, empowering civil servants to confidentially and safely report suspected idle, as evidenced by its involvement in fraudulent activity. hosting this week’s conference. Spearheaded by the Chair, Mrs Rosie Whittaker-Myles, and The civil service policies are all a part of the current members Ms Sheenah Hislop and Ms Deputy Governor’s comprehensive Anti-Fraud Isatou Smith, the Commission continues to Policy from 2017, which includes other seek ways to carry out its constitutional remit provisions for codes of ethics and conduct, offering and receiving gifts, and information of preventing conflicts of interest and management. This conference, therefore, corruption in the public service. Outside of comes at an opportune time for the Cayman this conference the Commission’s latest Islands to intensify its enhancement of the initiative involves the dissemination of a ethical integrity of its public bodies. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime educational programme – Education 4 Justice. I now officially declare the 5th Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Caribbean This programme seeks to promote a culture of Association of Integrity Commissions and lawfulness, with modules specifically Where we are Anti-Corruption Bodies open. addressing corruption and integrity, amongst our primary, secondary and tertiary students His Excellency The Governor, at local private and public educational Mr Martyn Roper OBE institutions.
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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ACB Anti-Corruption Bodies
AGM Annual General Meeting
BIC Belize Integrity Commission
CCAICACB Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies
CSPL Commission for Standards in Public Life
DPP Director of Public Prosecutions
GIC Guyana Integrity Commission
IC Integrity Commission
ICC International Cricket Council
ICD Integrity Commission of Dominica
ICTT Integrity Commission of Trinidad and Tobago
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
NIA National Integrity Action
OICSL Office of the Integrity Commission, Saint Lucia
OBE Order of the British Empire
QC Queen’s Council
SPL Standards in Public Life
T&T Trinidad and Tobago
TCI Turks and Caicos Islands
TCIIC Turks and Caicos Islands Integrity Commission
UNCAC United Nations Convention Against Corruption
UNODC United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
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A NOTE ABOUT THIS REPORT
PLEASE NOTE THE FORMAT OF THIS REPORT, WITH SUMMARIES AND AGENDAS IN THE BODY OF THE REPORT AND FULL TEXT OF SPEECHES, PRESENTATIONS, SURVEY RESULTS, BIOGRAPHIES, ETC. IN THE APPENDICES.
IF YOU ARE SEEKING A FULL TEXT OF A PRESENTATION AT THE CONFERENCE YOU CAN CHECK THE APPENDICES, OR DIGITAL VERSIONS CAN BE FOUND ON THE 5TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE WEBSITE AT:
WWW.STANDARDSINPUBLICLIFECOMMISSION.KY/CCAICACB. | OPENIN CEREMONY AGENDA PAGE | 18
OPENING CEREMONY AGENDA
8:30AM Tea & Coffee
9:00AM Procession of Flags Cayman Islands Cadet Corps
9:05AM N ational Anthem and National Song Miss Jaime Ebanks
9:15AM Prayer Rev Mary Graham St George’s Anglican (Episcopal) Church
9:20AM W elcoming Remarks Mrs Rosie Whittaker-Myles Chairman, Commission for Standards in Public Life
9:25AM C onference Overview Dr Roger Koranteng Interim Adviser and Head, Public Sector Governance Commonwealth Secretariat Winner of 2018 Int’l Anti-Corruption Excellence Award
9:30AM Remarks by the CCAICACB Chairman Mr Dirk Harrison
9:35AM A ddress by the Commonwealth Secretary-General The Rt Honourable Patricia Scotland QC
9:40AM O pening Proclamation His Excellency the Governor, Mr Martyn Roper OBE
9:45AM Group Picture
10:00AM Media Engagement
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OPENING CEREMONY PHOTOS
Where we are TODAY | LOCATIONS OF DELEGATES PAGE | 20
LOCATIONS OF DELEGATES
1. Mr Neil Coates Antigua & Barbuda 2. Mr Radford Hill Antigua & Barbuda 3. Ms Deirdre Clarke-Maycock The Bahamas 4W. Mr Frhanklyen Wrillieamsw e aTher Bahamas 5. Ms Deshawn Arzu Torres Belize 6. Ms Helen Ambo Dominica 7. Mr Stephenson Hyacinth Dominica 8. Mr Tafawa Pierre Grenada 9. Mr Robert Robinson Grenada 10. Mr Kumar Doraisami Guyana 11. Mrs Rosemary Noble Guyana 12. Mr Dirk Harrison Jamaica 13. Colonel Daniel Pryce Jamaica 14. Ms Jean Morille Saint Lucia 15. Mr Cleophas Regobert Saint Lucia 16. Mr Greg Christie Turks & Caicos Islands 17. Canon Mark Kendall Turks & Caicos Islands 18. Mr Eugune Otuonye Turks & Caicos Islands 19. Mr Justice Melville Baird Trinidad & Tobago 20. Ms Jasmine Pascal Trinidad & Tobago 21. Ms Sheenah Hislop Cayman Islands 22. Mrs Isatou Smith Cayman Islands 23. Mrs Rosie Whittaker-Myles Cayman Islands |DAY 1 PAGE | 21
DAY 1
Speaker 1 – James Lager
Adjunct Professor at the Robert H. Smith
School of Business at the University of
Maryland
Collaborator with Ethicalsystems.org
Fight Less, Design More: Reducing corruption
with behavioural ethics
The first presentation of the Conference was
given by Mr James Lager. He explained how
to reduce corruption through shifting
organisational culture to create an
environment that encourages ethical
behaviour. Sifting through myth and fact he
asserted that it is not always “good vs evil” in
fighting corruption; rather, context is often
underestimated. Further, unconscious bias
creates ethical blind spots and makes us
overconfident in the benevolence of our
intentions. This can be tackled by truly trying
to understand the forces acting on individuals’
actions and removing barriers to upholding
integrity. His recommendation – create a
system that makes choosing the ethical
option easy.
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Panel Discussion 1 – Corruption in Sports: The Cricket Perspective the Commission’s recent progress. She summarised the duties of the BIC, which includes ensuring requirements for Panellists: declaration are complied with, and described Mr Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron – Past President, the challenges the BIC encounters with West Indies Cricket Board Inc. maintaining its independence and efficiency. Mr Wavel Hinds – President, West Indies Players Association Amongst other things, she acknowledged Mr Steve Richardson – Lead Investigator, ICC Belize’s accession to UNCAC in 2016, assessed Anti-Corruption Unit (via Skype) some of the primary risks for corruption in the
territory and described how the establishment Moderator: of a BIC Secretariat assists with enforcement Mr Hector Robinson QC – Chairman of Cayman responsibilities. She also identified the need Islands Cricket Association for local education and greater inter-country cooperation. Country Presentations - Session One Turks & Caicos Islands
Mr Greg Christie made the presentation for Grenada TCI. He summarised the current composition Mr Tafawa Pierre made the presentation for of the Board of the Commission and the Grenada discussing the IC and the Financial executive, reviewed TCI’s Integrity Intelligence Unit. The conference was Commission’s (TCIIC) compliance activities updated on training and development, with regards to declarations, reviewed outreach seminars organised, the logo and investigations and enforcement processes, and provided information on its public education mascot competition, International Anti- campaigns and IT upgrades. Being forward Corruption Day celebrations, investigations, looking, Mr Christie briefly touched on the filing of declarations of interest, proposed future organisational requirements implementation of new policies and of the TCIIC. procedures, and advancements in combatting fraud and financial crimes. Government House Reception
Bahamas Mr Franklyn Williams made the presentation A reception was hosted by His Excellency the for the Bahamas reviewing the progress the Governor, Mr Martyn Roper OBE, and Mrs Bahamian government has made in fighting Elisabeth Roper during the evening at corruption. Legislative reforms highlighted Government House. His Excellency welcomed included the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2018; all to the reception and expressed his the Freedom of Information Act, 2017; the congratulations on the successful opening of Integrity Commission Bill, 2017; the the conference and extended best wishes to Ombudsman Bill, 2017; and the Public all participants for the remainder of the week. Procurement Bill 2018. Local dignitaries and representatives from entities supporting the CCAICACB Belize Conference’s anti-corruption efforts were in Ms Deshawn Arzu Torres made the attendance, along with conference organisers, presentation for Belize, beginning with a speakers and delegates. recap of the history of the Belize Integrity
| GOVERNMENT HOUSE PAGE | 23 RECEPTION PHOTOS
GOVERNMENT HOUSE RECEPTION
Where we are TODAY | DAY 2 PAGE | 24
DAY 2
Speaker 2 –Stacy de la Torre
Regional Anti-Corruption Advisor for UNODC
The Jakarta Principles: Moving from vision to reality
The lead speaker for the second day was Ms de la Torre. She highlighted the main concerns for ACBs as the inability of ACBs to 1) be truly independent, and 2) to obtain necessary resources and staff. She summarised the Jakarta Principles (developed in 2012 by heads of ACBs to “develop basic standards and guidance on the elements of ‘necessary independence’”) and provided a framework for evaluating ACB independence with 4 main categories. The 16 Jakarta Principles flow from these: Institutional Status – Mandate, Collaboration, Permanence; Leadership – Appointment, Continuity, Removal, Immunity; Resources – Remuneration, HR Authority, Adequate and Reliable Resources, Financial Autonomy; and Accountability – Ethical Conduct, External, Public Reporting and Public Communication. For an effective, framework, she emphasised the need that all principles must be present. The future of the Jakarta Principles is adopting the Colombo Commentary, which seeks to operationalise the Jakarta Principles. Ms de la Torre encouraged all ACBs to use the Jakarta Principles to evaluate themselves.
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Justice Melville Baird - Jakarta more to persons in public life and highlighted the need for greater advertisement of the Principles Roundtable Discussion ICD’s ability to extend the filing period for declarations. Justice Baird, a delegate of T&T, led other conference delegates in a discussion of their Antigua & Barbuda countries’ measurement against the Jakarta Mr Neil Coates provided the presentation for Principles framework as outlined by Ms de la Antigua and Barbuda. He identified a list of Torre. He began by reviewing T&T’s status with factors restricting management/operation of UNCAC and worked through its status with the Commission: lack of funding, inadequate each of the Principles, concluding that T&T is staffing, inability to discharge its functions in compliance with the “spirit and philosophy” under the Integrity in Public Life Act (IPLA), of the UNCAC. Other delegates, similarly, and deficiencies in the IPLA. Mr Coates went commented on their respective countries’ on to describe the Commission’s major measurement against the Jakarta Principles undertakings and events of 2018-19. He also Framework in an open discussion which was provided a brief overview of the functions of engaging and useful. the Commission (including initiating investigations), the procedure for making Justice Baird’s presentation on T&T and other Complaints to the Commission, the process of obtaining legal opinions on s.12(1)(d) of the countries submissions can be found in full in IPLA, statistical data related to declarations by the appendices. persons in public life and complaints filed, and
a review of existing penalties in the law as well Country Presentations - Session 2 as proposed penalties and other proposed amendments to the law. Dominica Ms Helen Ambo of Dominica made the Trinidad & Tobago country presentation for that delegation. She Justice Melville Baird reviewed the recent discussed the history of the Integrity achievements of the Integrity Commission of Commission of Dominica (ICD) since 2003, its Trinidad and Tobago (ICTT). The ICTT engaged dissolution in 2015 and reconstitution, and the in various education endeavours, including the recent passing in 2018 of the immediate past organising of a poster design competition, and ICD chairman. The ICD’s recent activities have its involvement with other extracurricular included meeting with the Director of Public activities for youth such as integrity clubs in Prosecutions, engaging in a series of education initiatives, updating educational materials and secondary schools. The ICTT also participated the ICD policy and procedure manual, and the in various workshops and conferences, and handling of declarations of interests. Ms spearheaded awareness events on Ambo also discussed the procedure used to International Anti-Corruption Day. He reported analyse declarations of interests. Ms Ambo that court orders were obtained against reported a compliance rate for submitting persons who failed to file their declarations of declarations of interests in interests; and 40 complaints to the ICTT were Dominica in 2017 of 85%, down from 91% in received over the reporting period. Justice 2012, and discussed the analysis of this using Baird also noted that recommendations for workshops. This resulted in the amendments to the Integrity in Public Life Act recommendation for the ICD to reach out had been made.
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Speaker 3 - Professor Trevor Munroe Mr Derek Byrne – Royal Cayman Islands Police Service Commissioner of Police Mr Dirk Harrison – Chairman of CCAICACB Executive Director, National Integrity Action Executive (NIA), Jamaica
Moderator: Transforming Words into Action: The Ms Helen Ambo – Dominica delegate Petrojam scandal and citizens engagement in Jamaica Country Presentations - Session 3
Professor Trevor Munroe took heed of the conference theme and framed it with a timely Guyana example – the “Petrojam” scandal. He outlined Background on the GIC was provided in the the public perception of the Jamaican country presentation by Guyana delegate, Mr government with respect to corruption, where Kumar Doraisami. Mr Doraisami summarised approximately 60% of the population felt that the Guyana Integrity Commission’s (GIC) the country was more corrupt than it was recent initiatives, which included identifying three years ago. He further went on to persons in public life and distributing demonstrate a chronic lack of public declaration paperwork to them (along with engagement by local anti-corruption bodies. other aspects of declaration management), These issues surrounded the Petrojam scandal, executing a communications strategy, which Auditor General reports described as increasing administrative staff and ensuring having contravened the procurement law proper training, commencing a review of the “frequently”, resulting in $5.2 billion dollars of Integrity Commission Act, and carrying out unaccountable losses. Professor Munroe other administrative and operational functions. The presentation concluded with illustrated that public engagement waned reviewing challenges/lessons learned, and and grew in proportion to the availability of projections of the GIC for the upcoming year. information on the topic, and public pressure eventually resulted in the Minister of the Jamaica Energy Portfolio, Andrew Wheatley, resigning from his post. He concluded by emphasising "Text Not Available" the need for ACBs to continue public education and citizen engagement initiatives in order to see results.
Panel Discussion 2 – The Investigative Fight Against Corruption: Challenges and Successes
Panellists: Ms Sophia Harris – Cayman Islands Anti- Corruption Commission member
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DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS
Where we are TODAY | DAY 3 PAGE | 28
DAY 3
Panel Discussion 3 - Modernising the Legislative Framework to Combat Corruption and Promote Transparency
Panellists: Ms Candia James-Malcolm – Acting Deputy DPP Ms Cheryl Neblett – First Legislative Council, Attorney General’s Chambers Mr Justice Melville Baird – Trinidad and Tobago delegate
Moderator: Mr Franklyn Williams – Bahamas
The panel spoke about the need to, over the years and looking ahead, continue to amend relevant anti-corruption legislation within each of their respective jurisdictions in order to ensure that the legislative provisions meet the current and future needs of investigators. These amendments are primarily brought about at the request of investigators, given that they are the ones with the “boots on the ground”. From lessons learned legislative amendments seek to address the increasingly complex and protracted investigations being undertaken throughout the region. In addition, amendments seek to promote further independence and security of the ACBs themselves and provide prosecutors with clearer provisions for charging purposes. The panel recognised that whilst current legislation continues to operate and ACBs and ICs are not unable to investigate allegations of corruption, the continued modernisation of all aspects of their functioning must remain a priority; legislative amendments are no different.
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Country Presentations - Session 4 legislation, regulations and codes of conduct, and continued public relations engagement and education programming, especially with
rolling out the Education for Justice Saint Lucia programme into curriculum. A history and overview of the Office of the Integrity Commission of Saint Lucia (OICSL) Panel Discussion 4 - The Impact of and its activities up to 2018 was provided by Information Sharing in Combatting Saint Lucia delegate Ms Jean Morille. He went Corruption on to describe their current mission, i.e., to ensure the Integrity Commission legislation is amended according to previous issues Panellists: identified, to establish a secretariat for the Mrs Sue Winspear – Cayman Islands Auditor OICSL, and to set up an OICSL website. The General parts of the legislation to be amended include Mr RJ Berry – Director of the Cayman Islands the definition of ‘persons in public life’, the Financial Regulatory Authority threshold for declaring gifts, and the ability to Ms Deshawn Torres – Belize delegate coordinate with other anti-corruption agencies. The OICSL also looks forward in the Moderator: Mr Greg Christie – Turks and Caicos Islands future to instituting a robust budget approval delegate procedure and increasing its enforcement capabilities with regard to negligent The panel spoke in general terms about the declarations of interest. entities which make up the broader anti- corruption institutional framework and Cayman Islands network in the region. Whilst some of these Ms Rosie Whittaker-Myles, delegate from the entities differ from country to country the host country, provided the presentation on the Executive is remains responsible for Cayman Islands. She reviewed the history and determining anti-corruption policy whilst the context of the Cayman Islands and the Legislature is responsible for determining the Commission for Standards in Public Life governing laws. In addition, the panel (CSPL). Work since February 2018 was discussed the avenues and impacts of reviewed, which included fulfilling its information sharing, the merits of educating constitutional mandates and further stakeholders and increasing corruption and promoting the need for implementing SPL ethics literacy, benchmarking local anti- legislation, and proliferating UNODC corruption efforts against other jurisdictions, Education for Justice programming amongst raising awareness of anti-corruption efforts local schools. The main challenges amongst persons in public life and potential encountered included the delays in offenders, improving local coordination of implementing the SPL legislation and drafting efforts, especially amongst various branches of instructions for regulations, and the effect that anti-corruption institutional systems, and the the general perceived lack of support from effectiveness of networks and institutional frameworks to facilitate information sharing stakeholders has had. Future goals include on combatting corruption. continued advocacy for the implementation of
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Panel Discussion 5 - Integrity Speaker 4 – Dr Roger Koranteng Reform and Innovation: Use of new measures/technology in the fight against corruption Adviser and Head, Public Sector Governance with the Commonwealth Secretariat, UK Coordination Mechanisms for Inter-Agency
Cooperation in Combatting Corruption Panellists:
Mr Sean Theron – Principal – Advisory, KPMG Dr Koranteng presented his research on the Mr Adam Huckle – Associate, Maples Group topic of inter-agency cooperation in Mr Nicholas Kedney – Partner, Deloitte Forensic combatting corruption. He examined the
multi-jurisdictional reach of corrupt actors; the Moderator: importance of domestic cooperation amongst Mr Cleophas Regobert – Saint Lucia delegate anti-corruption agencies as a foundation for
tackling corruption; entities that should be The discussion was initiated with a fictional directly involved in detecting corruption; anti-corruption and bribery case study that utilising task forces, a coordinating council, the panellists utilised to set the context for MOUs and interagency intelligence sharing as how the roles in each of their respective modes of cooperation (and how this can be companies can help in executing anti- done most effectively); how to leverage corruption efforts. The panel discussed the political and operational perspectives from the challenges that presented in the case study design stage of national anti-corruption and the approaches that could be taken. A frameworks; the importance of strong range of mitigation measures along with leadership and determination, having clear explanations were given on how each of those mandates and lines of responsibility, and measures could be scaled down or stepped up imposing the legal obligation to cooperate; depending on the resources, financial or and forming appropriate IT and otherwise, of the organisation requesting the communication strategies. services. The audience gained a better understanding of how technology is advancing and being used to fight corruption, and in turn how this can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of corruption investigations. In addition, an explanation of how these tools are utilised during the entire process (by investigators and prosecutors alike) was provided.
DAY 3 HIGHLIGHTS PAGE | 31
DAY 3 HIGHLIGHTS
Where we are TODAY |DAY 4 TOUR SCENERY PAGE | 32
DAY 4 TOUR SCENERY STINGRAY CITY, SANDBAR & RUM POINT BEACH ADVENTURE
Where we are TODAY | DAY 5 PAGE | 33
DAY 5
Closing Remarks
Dr Roger Koranteng gave brief remarks on the purpose of the conference and lessons learned from the week that delegates could take home to their respective countries and incorporate into their integrity commissions and anti-corruption agencies. He requested delegates’ attention and focus for one final time for the AGM to conclude the conference.
CCAICACB Annual General Meeting
Below is the agenda for the AGM that was held amongst conference delegates to decide on the business before the Association and the way forward for the next year. A communiqué on the conference was drafted by a selection of conference delegates was reviewed and approved at the AGM. This can be found in the appendices along with the full minutes of the AGM.
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AGM Agenda
1.Call to Order 2.Prayer 3.Chairman’s Welcome and Opening Remarks 4.Consideration of Reports a.Chairman’s Report b.Treasurer’s Report 5.Matters for Consideration a.The Constitution of the CCAICACB i. Membership Forms and Dues ii. Appointment of Executive Committee Members iii. Resignation/Removal of Officers of the Executive Committee iv. Formation of Non-Profit/Charitable Company – Opinion v. Appointment of Auditor 6. Model Legislation 7. Communiqué arising out of the 5th Annual Conference 8. Election of Members to the Executive Committee 9. Hosting of 2020 Conference 10. Any Other Business 11. Adjournment
|CONFERENCE CLOSURE PAGE | 35 |APPENDICES PAGE | 36
APPENDICES APPENDIX 1| CONFERENCE AGENDA PAGE | 37 APPENDIX 1| CONFERENCE AGENDA PAGE | 38 APPENDIX 1| CONFERENCE AGENDA PAGE | 39 APPENDIX 1| CONFERENCE AGENDA PAGE | 40 APPENDIX 2| CONFERENCE OVERVIEW PAGE | 41
Conference Overview
I am pleased to give the overview of the 5th Annual Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions & Anti-Corruption Bodies Conference.
As you are no doubt aware, the Commonwealth Secretariat by means of its convening power established the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions & Anti-Corruption Bodies Conference in 2015 to foster genuine partnerships among all Commonwealth Caribbean member states.
I would like to recognise Dame Monica Joseph, the then Chairman and the Commissioners and staff of the Integrity Commission in Grenada, Mr Julian Johnson, the then Chairman of Dominica Integrity Commission who worked with me and introduced me to Dame Monica Joseph for their pioneering roles in welcoming me to the region and Grenada in particular that culminated in the establishment of the Commonwealth Caribbean Association.
I cannot mention the establishment of this Association without recognising with gratitude the strong political will of the Prime Minister Mitchell and the Governor-General of Grenada who inaugurated the Association in May 2015.
The effectiveness of the Association is based on the “collective ownership” by its members, and the trust and confidence that member countries have in the Commonwealth Secretariat to work on this important agenda for dealing with corruption.
This partnership brokered by the Commonwealth Secretariat has led to the institutionalisation of annual meetings of the Heads of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies – These annual meetings of Heads of ACBs act as a focal point for the Association, providing a forum for Heads to peer-review each country anti-corruption reports and shared transferable experiences and peer learning. As members, we have traversed through a 5-year journey of developing impactful results. The journey started in 2015 with the Association’s meeting held in Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago in 2016, Jamaica in 2017, Turks and Caicos in 2018. This year the Heads of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies in Commonwealth Caribbean is meeting here in this beautiful Cayman Islands.
While we acknowledge a positive profile achieved by the Association, challenges persist. Much work that lies ahead of us include the pressing need to address issues such as illicit financial flows, unexplained wealth, etc. Since corruption has international dimension and cross border crimes, we need concerted efforts to address the menace. That’s why this Association meetings have provided practical platforms for members by pooling together the means, experience and resolve to address Anti-Corruption challenges. There is also an urgent call on Governments to strengthen and resource Integrity Commissions and anti-Corruption Bodies to make them fit for purpose to combat complex and sophisticated corrupt practices of the 21st Century.
In terms of the Conference overview, the conference programme is in for parts - these are the opening ceremony, 3-day technical sessions, sight-seeing and AGM.
The opening ceremony sets the tone for the conference as we receive a welcome message from Mrs. Rosie Whittaker-Myles, Chairman, Commission for Standards in Public Life, Remarks by Mr. Dirk
APPENDIX 2| CONFERENCE OVERVIEW PAGE | 42
Harrison, Chairman, Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commission and Anti- Corruption Bodies, key note address by the special guest of honour, the Commonwealth Secretary- General, the Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland, QC and then the opening proclamation of the conference by His Excellency the Governor, Martyn Roper, OBE.
The technical sessions are where the conference business is conducted. These comprise of the country and expert presentations, group discussions and networking during in and out of sessions.
All work and no fun makes Jack a gloomy person, so there will be one day sight-seeing to the Stingray, Sandbar & Rum Point Beach Adventure. I must also mention there will a welcome cocktail and closing dinner.
The AGM is the final part of the Conference where the Heads of ICs and ACBs will issue the conference Communique, select the country to host the next conference, and new Chairperson for the Association.
WHO is this person? He is African, American, Asian, Australian, Caribbean, Canadian, Chinese, European, Nordic, and from the Pacific… He or She can be of any nationality, creed or race…he/she is:-
A PIMP: - Uses other people without any care and sucks the life and spirit out of anyone that can assist him or her in his or her achieving a personal gain or advantage.
IGNORANT: he or she has no feeling or care for any other person(s). He/she “ignores” his/her fellow- human being.
MANIPULATIVE: He or she manipulates persons, environments and dynamics for his /her sole advantage.
MISANTHROPIC: he or she has to dislike other person…. he or she is the only one that counts.
PARASITIC: he or she “feeds” on other people’s talents, labour and intellect…he or she sucks out the spirit of his/her follow human being.
CONCEITED: he or she believes himself and herself to be superior, smarter than you and I because after all he or she “has found a way to cheat the system”…and that is a high mark of superiority in the mind of this “rogue”!
A HYPOCRITE: - he or she is the ultimate hypocrite who practices hypocrisy- he or she display trust by holding a position of trust well-knowing that he or she practices distrust at the highest end of the scale.
A LIAR: - he or she is a liar….He or she cannot be anything else than practicing corruption….most of all he or she is a liar to himself or herself…
AN OPPORTUNIST: - He or she can “sniff” an opportunity when one presents itself. If no opportunity presents itself, he or she creates one!
GREEDY: - there is no limit to his or her greed- even when he or she has achieved sufficient self- enrichment to everyone’s detriment, he or she wants more….
APPENDIX 2| CONFERENCE OVERVIEW PAGE | 43
ARROGANT: - he or she is utterly arrogant….and often incensed at being suspected of corruption…..and displays complete superiority when practicing his or her unlawful acts.
This is the person who causes over one trillion us dollars per year in damage to society by sucking out every economy where he or she operates….
For every anti-corruption fighter - this is the photo that you should have on your office notice board…to remind you that this is the person you must stop…..and remember once you succeed to send him to confinement...he or she will manage to corrupt his/her new environment. This is the universal corrupt person…..so keep watching him/her…!!!
Dr Roger Koranteng Interim Adviser and Head, Public Sector Governance Commonwealth Secretariat
APPENDIX 3| SPEAKER 1: JAMES LAGER PAGE | 44
DAY 1: James Lager – Fight Less, Design More: Reducing corruption with behavioural ethics