Message in observance of International Anti-corruption Day 2021

(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 10 December 2021) News headlines are overrun with reports of global scandals citing corruption as the core issue.  The acceleration in these reports involving Government institutions, private sector entities, academia and the public at large, is likely due to a progressively bolder voice throughout the world with more persons speaking out against injustices, prejudice and abuse of power. 

The growth in demand for greater transparency in recent years, has galvanized the regulation and enforcement efforts of anti-corruption organisations and amplified their global influence.  

Corruption erodes trust in Government, undermines economic efficiency by stealing away valuable resources, impedes investment and increases inequality and conflict; ultimately, stagnating sustainable development and growth.  

The Turks and Caicos Islands understanding the tremendous risk attached to noncompliance, has implemented a surveillance and enforcement regime exercised by the Integrity Commission and other public bodies as a powerful defense against potential offenders through: certainty of detection, severity of punishment and swiftness of sentencing. 

Although it is important that we stamp out corruption, it is equally important that we measure the approach and methods, led by anti-corruption regimes, that promote systemic conformity and target persons in positions of influence for exercising their decision-making rights. This model often leads to integrity disparagement and causes irreparable damage especially in cases where prosecution rules in favour of the defendant.  

The Turks and Caicos Islands has an effective Anti-corruption system with high standards of accountability. I applaud and support the work of the Commission for their efforts in enhancing transparency throughout the public administration in these islands.