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Panic in Paradise: Jamaica’s Battle with Corruption

posted on March 29, 2022 by Zikiyah Francis

SUNY-Binghamton Tagged With: #jamaica , Government Corruption

Corruption is nothing new to political spheres around the world. In Jamaica, corruption within the government is pervasive and entrenched in Jamaican society. Jamaican politics is overrun with corruption and this is common knowledge among Jamaican voters. This corruption has led to a gross increase in government mistrust, poverty, gang violence, and is an overall detriment to Jamaica’s reputation as a peaceful paradise. The government has consistently used forceful tactics in an effort to gain votes; and wins elections because of these illegal acts. Corruption in the Jamaican government is a direct threat to democracy and the effects are results of democratic erosion.

Government corruption is widely understood in the minds of Jamaican voters. According to an article published in  The Gleaner, a popular Jamaican newspaper, surveys “constantly show that upwards of 70%  of Jamaicans believe they live in a corrupt country” (Gleaner, 2020). Corruption cripples democratic thinking, and instills a level of fear in citizens who wish to exercise democratic participation. This was exemplified perfectly in Jamaica’s most recent election, as it had one of the lowest voter turnouts in Jamaican history at 37% (BBC 2020). Jamaican citizens being privy to the corruption within government, feel helpless in the effort to combat it. This results in lower voter turnouts, as many citizens decide not to vote. This fear to express political opinion contributes to the notion of Jamaica as a “flawed democracy”, a rating given to the nation by the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2016. Far before Jamaica received this title, there were already multiple chinks in the armor of democracy. In May 2010, former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding was referred to as a “criminal affiliate” of Christopher Coke; a hunted drug lord that had evaded police capture with the assistance of Golding while he was in office. However, their relationship was far from one-sided, as “ Golding’s Jamaican Labor Party (JLP) was voted into power through “Coke’s murderous and strong-arm tactics” (Esposito, Schone, Martinez 2010).

Corruption is not only prevalent in the government, but in the police department as well. This corruption has become the catalyst for a surge in gang related violence, with 80% of illegal activity in Jamaica being gang related. Due to the lack of trust in the police force, Jamaican citizens turn to local gangs for protection and monetary aid. Citizens of poverty-ridden towns in Jamaica share the same sentiment, that the government fails to address their needs and are apathetic towards their struggle. This enables them to look to local gangs for help; and when this happens, gang members oblige. The leaders of these gangs, the “dons” provide social welfare services such as: school supplies, food, community festivities, and in some instances housing (Lumsden, 2016). These gangs that citizens are looking to are the same gangs government officials look to in order to garner votes and local support. Citizens will go to political representatives to receive help and will be denied, but government officials are consistently paying large sums of money to gangs in exchange for a mutually beneficial relationship. Government officials colluding with gang members is corruption in one of its most detrimental forms, as it allows for both a surge in violence and democratic instability. The use of gangs to gain votes has also caused polarization between the two political parties in Jamaica. The two main parties within the country are The Jamaican Labor Party and the People’s National Party, with few differing political parties able to gain any traction in the political world. Although anti-corruption agencies have been started in Jamaica, these groups only work to expose corruption rather than prosecute it. Seeing as how corruption in government is nothing new to the Jamaican people, these agencies are hardly effective.

Corruption is destructive in Jamaica, as it dissuades people from participating in society’s legal framework. As a result, many Jamaicans turn to illegal organizations for safety and survival. Depending on gang members for community aid while also knowing that your government relies on those same gangs for their personal gain is no way to live. However, it is the reality in Jamaica. I think that if a multi-faceted approach is not taken against corruption it will never stop. Jamaica needs to develop a plan that prosecutes corruption as opposed to only investigating it. If not, there will continue to be panic in paradise. 

Works Cited:

Lumsden, Andrew. 2019. “Black, Green, Gold and Too Much Red: Jamaica’s Struggle with Gang Violence.” COHA . https://www.coha.org/black-green-gold-and-too-much-red-jamaicas-struggle-with-gang-violence/ (March 29, 2022). 

Esposito, Richard, Mark Schone, and Luis Martinez. “U.S. Report: Jamaican Prime Minister Is ‘Known Criminal Affiliate’ Of Hunted Drug Lord.” ABC News . https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/jamaica-christopher-dudus-coke-escaped-security-forces-assault/story?id=10737428 (March 29, 2022). 

“Editorial: Corruption Weakens the Economy, Threatens Democracy.” 2020. Commentary | Jamaica Gleaner . https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/commentary/20200709/editorial-corruption-weakens-economy-threatens-democracy (March 29, 2022). 

“Jamaica Election: Andrew Holness’ JLP Re-Elected amid Rise in Covid-19 Cases.” 2020. BBC News . https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-53997063 (March 29, 2022).

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Corruption Scandals and Anti-Corruption Institution Building Interventions in Jamaica

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• Philip Duku Osei  

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In Jamaica since 1981, numerous institution building efforts have been undertaken aimed at improving administrative propriety, including but not limited to the establishment of the Office of the Contractor-General -an ombudsman of contracts (1983), the National Contracts Commission (1999), the Anti-Corruption Commission (2003), Public Management Accountability Act (2002) and several codes of conduct for ministers (2002), public officials and politicians (1973). However, despite these new anti-corruption institutional initiatives, there is a general public perception that corruption is endemic in Jamaica ( Jamaica Gleaner , 2001), a view supported by public polling in February 2005, which found more than 90 per cent of respondents believing that corruption was rampant in society, with 70 per cent believing that most corruption resides in public sector agencies (Buckley, 2005; Hart, 2005). This view is supported by a falling ranking in 2004 for Jamaica on the Transparency International (TI) corruption perception index to 74 out of 146 countries, down 17 places from its position in 2003 (TI, 2005). This chapter presents an overview of the persistence and growth of corruption in Jamaica in spite of the plethora of anti-corruption policies and institution building that have been pursued by the state; and concludes that resolve, political will, and a change in political culture are additionally required to supplement the institutional response.

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Osei, P.D. (2007). Corruption Scandals and Anti-Corruption Institution Building Interventions in Jamaica. In: Bracking, S. (eds) Corruption and Development. Palgrave Studies in Development. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230590625_9

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The Effect of Corruption on Individuals in Jamaica

By Jeff Pizzino, APR, Corporate Communications –

Corruption has had a long-lasting, negative effect on Jamaica and its socioeconomic system. Government officials are working to make changes, starting with raising awareness.

At the core of corruption is self-indulgence. When power is exploited and self-indulgence is fed, self interest emerges and corruption thrives. Corruption can include financial benefit, material goods, sexual favors, business opportunities or other services. In any case, it can have lasting effects.

The effect of corruption is far reaching and extends from nations to societies. But many are not aware of the effect of corruption on individuals. And it can affect more than just financial well-being. Corruption can be harmful to your emotional health.

Jamaica Damaged by Corruption

In Jamaica, for example, corruption’s negative and long-lasting effects extend to individuals. Corruption is a serious issue affecting politics, law enforcement, judicial rulings, health care, gender issues and sexual harassment, exploitation of the poor, and even day-to-day living. The international corruption perception score for Jamaica in 2013 was 38 out of 100 (Aarons 2014).

At a national level, serious socioeconomic concerns are going unanswered, including poverty and inequality with public funds being directed elsewhere. The result is political instability, mistrust, and widespread fear. Class issues make it even more of a problem and corruption is spreading.

Corrected Action Underway

Jamaica has taken action to change the course of corruption with legislative and civic measures. The goal is to spread awareness and to educate the public on corruption and how to fight it. Furthermore, officials are trying to create a body of people that would be in a position to change the law and raise further awareness (Aarons 2014).

But more can be done with deception detection tools to help to vet out corrupt individuals for punishment with the goal of putting new officials in office.

Corruption affects everyone. It changes basic societal functions which affect morale and can degrade integrity. Simply put, it’s not healthy for our society.

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The Essay Competition

The Essay Competition, themed: “Fighting Corruption, Building Integrity in Jamaica”, was held in support of the Research and Advocacy Component of the Teaching of Garveyism in the Ministry of Education’s New Civics Programme.

The Awards Ceremony was held on World Book & Copyright Day in collaboration with the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office.  The event also included a panel discussion on ‘Payola in Jamaica’s Music Industry’, and included panelists from the Broadcasting Commission and the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association.

 Speaking at the function, Professor Munroe had high praises and commendation for the entries received but singled out the winner whose work he described as “showing detailed research and analysis of the subject matter”. I am confident that this young Jamaican has a far way to go not just at the secondary level, but at the higher levels as well.  We at NIA encourage all students to take a page out of her book.  Hard work does pay dividends”.

 Continuing he noted, “One of NIA’s mandates is to raise the education and awareness of the ill-effects that corruption is having on our nation.  We do this through public education for all strata of the economy – youth being one such – hence the decision to partner with the Ministry of Education in organizing this competition.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Ms. Amina Blackwood Meeks expressed thanks to NIA for their proactive work in educating and engaging the youth in advocating against corruption within the Jamaican society. She made the connection for the students between the essays they have written and the importance of respecting intellectual property to Jamaica’s continued development.

The grand prize winner received a laptop and the winner’s school received a 10-volume set of The Marcus Garvey And Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) Papers, edited by renowned Garvey scholar, Robert Hill.

The adjudicators of the competition were: Martin Henry, Communicator and Gleaner columnist; Gloria Bean, President of the History Teachers’ Association; Dorothy Noel, Publisher and Ryan Small, President of the Jamaica Youth Council. The competition also had the patronage of former Governor General, Sir Kenneth Hall.

National Integrity Action is Jamaica’s leading anti-corruption agency that was officially launched on December 9, 2011. Since its inception NIA has focused on:

·      Building public awareness and citizen involvement to enhance integrity, to report acts of corruption and to demand the urgent passage of important anti-corruption legislation; in particular, related to campaign finance disclosure and an effective Single Anti-corruption Agency with prosecutorial capabilities;

·      Implementing programmes to assist in building capacity in anti-corruption institutions;

·      Conducting research on the costs of corruption, particularly in its negative   impact on the quality of life of the man in the street;

·      Strengthening relations with civil society, with youth and students, with the media, with the Jamaican Diaspora, with Transparency International and with Jamaica’s development partners.

Latest News

Jamaica remains caribbean’s fifth most corrupt country – cpi report, corruption stain lingers despite jamaica inching forward, trevor munroe | governance 2020: bridging or widening the trust deficit, cameshia’s courage – district constable fights 16 years to prove she was unjustly dismissed.

Anti-Corruption and Good Governance

Anti-Corruption and Good Governance Sensitization Training Materials

The Integrity Commission has completed the delivery of a specially designed series of 12 Anti-Corruption, Good Governance and Integrity Sensitization Training Workshops for Jamaica’s Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers.

The idea of anti-corruption sensitization training for Jamaica's Cabinet Members was raised when the Commission’s Executive Director, Greg Christie, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness. The Executive Director readily gave his commitment that the Commission would develop the relevant materials and deliver the training.

The Ministerial Workshops, believed to be the first of their kind in the Caribbean region, were conducted in ten (10) 2-hour sessions, that were held during the country’s weekly Cabinet Meetings. The Workshops commenced on November 9, 2020, and were completed on February 15, 2021.

The Workshop Modules were designed to cover a wide range of anti-corruption, integrity and good governance subject areas, and to impart critical information about the Commission’s statutory mandates, powers and enforcement functions, as well as Jamaica’s corruption laws and offences.

Importantly, Cabinet Members were also counseled on what they should and should not do to avoid criminal culpability, or public opprobrium and criticism, in their administration and conduct of Jamaica’s public affairs.

The Workshop presentations were made by the Commission's Executive Director, its Director of Information and Complaints, Craig Beresford; its Director of Investigation, Kevon Stephenson; its Director of Corruption Prosecution, Keisha Prince; its Legacy Senior Director, Maurice Barrett; and its Legal Counsel, Gillian Pottinger.

All of the Workshop Presentations can be viewed by clicking on the links below.

Jamaica Public and Private Sector officials, students and the ordinary Jamaican Citizen, are encouraged to acquaint themselves with the very useful information that is contained in the Presentations.

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The Issue of Political Corruption in Jamaica

The disillusionment of paradise.

Jamaica is known as an island of paradise for many individuals around the world. The culture is rich with its long white sandy beaches, crystal clear blue water as far as the eyes can see, palm trees blowing in the crisp breeze, Duns River falls, and the birth place of reggae music. Often times when the illusion of perfection is removed from a situation, clarity is identified. In reality, to the vast majority of its natives, Jamaica is a country plagued with corruption and an unprecedented wave of violent crimes (Kovaleski, 1999).

It is of my opinion that the increased and continual violence that occurs is a direct result of political corruption and poverty.

Political corruption in Jamaica is the exploitation of the impoverished population by the people in power for private gains. For example, political leaders make promises during election periods in order to gain votes. A few of the many promises made include new schools for the different communities, better housing, construction projects for roads and potholes, and employment opportunities.

When promises were not delivered, many individuals would retaliate. Vivid memories are recalled from the numerous occasions when my sister’s and I could not attend school or work. Certain colors were forbidden as they represented political connotations. The roads were barricaded with debris, burning cars, and gangsters patrolling the streets with their ak-47. I would sometimes ask myself, why? These men believed they were fighting for a better way life for their families and children.

Proficient in: Political Corruption

“ Ok, let me say I’m extremely satisfy with the result while it was a last minute thing. I really enjoy the effort put in. ”

The roots of crime in Jamaica spread beyond the political corruption. My 26 years of living on the island leads me to recognize poverty as another primary cause of violence. I have witnessed many people from impoverished neighborhoods steal and commit crimes in order to survive on a daily basis. In their minds it is not a question about right or wrong but a matter of survival by any means necessary, due to fact that work is scarce and wages don’t reflect the cost of living. Furthermore, with no education and desperation looming, the only option left for many is a life of crime and gang activities (Wiggins, 2005).

Youngsters who grew up in middle class neighborhoods were considered to be very fortunate. Nevertheless, holding the status of middle-class did not shield my family or me from the daily violence that plagues the streets of Jamaica. A member of my family was a victim of gun violence when he was robbed of his valuables; a scenario that repeats itself over and over each day. Such robbery is just a depiction of what it takes for some to survive in this “land of paradise.”

On one perspective, my life has been staidly impacted as a result of the criminal activities in Jamaica. As a new resident of Georgia, stereotypical attachments have been placed on my character. I have had to work harder and smarter to achieve the level of success I have gained. On the other hand, my experiences have had a positive influence on the way I think and attach problems.

The illusion of paradise for the island of Jamaica, on the contrary, is viewed as a reality for most individuals who are not natives. Tourists, for example, more often than not enjoy the island’s luxuries without participating in its political or economic systems. Visitors only experience the island created by the hoteliers; hence their ignorance or unfamiliarity with the severe crime rates.

If you ever come to Jamaica or any tourist resort, be aware of the surroundings. It is important to note that civil unrest can show up at any time and you need to be ready. Crime in fact is everywhere; however in poverty prone countries, theft, murder, kidnapping, or the any means necessary to survive attitude are heightened. Although fear is not the objective, individuals must have an understanding of the realities of a nation. “The disillusionment is the process of the removal of an illusion from the human mind.” When ignorance is removed, the feeling of empowerment evolves. Hence the old adage, “knowledge is key.”

• Kovaleski, Serge F. (1999). Murder ‘Madness’ Bedevils Jamaica. Retrieved January 4, 2006 from http://www.nisat.org/murder%20madness%20in%20jamaica.htm
• Wiggins, George (2005). Jamaica is in Deep Trouble. Retrieved January 4, 2006 

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Corruption in Jamaica

The WD Carter Lecture Series at Northern Caribbean University’s School of Business discussed corruption as the misuse of power for personal gain. The speaker elaborated on the prevalence of corruption in both developed and developing countries and its impact on politics, public figures, and organizations. Jamaica was ranked as the most corrupt country in the Western Hemisphere in 2009, with a growing public perception of corruption. The causes of corruption were discussed, including the desire for unfair advantages, avoiding penalties, and maintaining standards of living. The lack of accountability was attributed to weak enforcement and transparency, which are symptoms of economic, political, and institutional weaknesses. The lecture emphasized the need for root cause reform to effectively prevent corruption.

Northern Caribbean University School of Business WD Carter Lecture Series was held in the Chapel of Northern Caribbean University’s (NCU) Main Campus on Wednesday, November 17, 2010. The lecturer, According to Mr. Anderson, Corruption can be defined as the misuse of entrusted power for private benefits, in other words, use of official position, rank or status by an office keeper for personal use. The speaker elaborates on universal corruption in countries that are developed and developing, private and public sectors. Allegations and charges of corruption play a central role in politics than any other time.

Governments have fallen careers of world renowned public figures ruined, and reputations of well-respected organizations and business firms badly tarnished in consequence of corruption. According to an article published April 26, 2009, Jamaica was ranked the most corrupt country in the Western Hemisphere measuring the highest on index countries perceived to be most corrupt. Jamaica outpaced its regional counterparts on the perceived corruption index with a mean score of 85. 6 points out of 100, three points above the 2006 survey, which suggests a growing public perception that the island is corrupt.

Argentina follows closely, then Guatemala. Mr. Anderson further spoke about the causes and consequences of corruption in Jamaica. From my understanding, people offer bribes because they want an unfair advantage over others, to pay lower taxes, to get a promotion or to get something quickly. They also offer bribes to avoid a fine or penalty and to gain more money to maintain their standards of living if salaries are not raised to match inflation or to meet commitments. A little chance of getting caught likewise causes corruption.

This lack of accountability comes mainly from a lack of transparency and weak enforcement. I have come to the conclusion that corruption in Jamaica and other countries, is a symptom of deep-seated and fundamental economic, political and institutional weaknesses and shortcomings in a country. To be effective, measures against corruption must therefore address these underlying causes and not the symptoms. Emphasis must thus be placed on preventing corruption by tackling the root causes that give rise to it through undertaking economic, political and institutional reforms.

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Corruption charges likely for five politicians

Criminal charges now hang over the heads of five current and former lawmakers who have been accused of flouting Jamaica’s anti-corruption law.

The Integrity Commission, Jamaica’s corruption watchdog agency, has revealed that the five – two current and three former parliamentarians – were referred to its prosecutorial arm in the last fiscal year.

Their names have not been made public and the country remains in the dark about when the cases were referred to the commission’s corruption prosecution division and whether steps have been taken to bring them before the court.

“Four of these persons were reported for non-presentation of additional information required to complete the examination of their statutory declarations and one for non-presentation of statutory declaration,” the commission disclosed in its latest annual report to Parliament.

“No prosecution or disciplinary action resulted from any investigation undertaken during the reporting year April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020,” the agency confirmed in its annual report for the period.

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One of the accused lawmakers subsequently presented all the information requested, the commission noted.

Members of parliament (MPs) and senators, like other public officers, are required, under the Integrity Commission Act, to submit annual declarations of their income, assets and liabilities.

It is one of the tools used to help determine whether lawmakers are using their positions to illegally enrich themselves, stakeholder groups have asserted.

In February, The Sunday Gleaner, citing inside sources, reported that six MPs from the two main political parties were facing criminal charges for alleged breaches of corruption prevention laws.

At the time, it was reported that case files had been prepared for all six and sent to the agency’s chief prosecutor, Keisha Prince, for action.

Since 2010, according to documents reviewed by The Sunday Gleaner, at least 32 current and former parliamentarians accused of failing to file their declarations or provide supporting information have been referred for prosecution. No document was seen for 2017.

The documents indicate that 27 of those referrals were forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions between 2010 and 2016 by the Corruption Prevention Commission, the body that preceded the Integrity Commission.

Paula Llewellyn, director of public prosecutions, disclosed that over the six-year period, a number of parliamentarians, including former industry and commerce minister, Anthony Hylton, and former senator, Angela Brown Burke, have been placed before the court.

Hylton was accused in 2011 of failing to say that he was a director in a company he did not disclose in his statutory declarations. His case, which began in 2014, has stalled in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court for years.

However, likening the failure of parliamentarians to file their declarations to an administrative breach, Llewellyn explained that in most instances, her office would exercise discretion not to pursue a prosecution because the issues were usually addressed by the delinquent legislators.

“What we do is send warning notices to them and where we find that they have addressed the issue within a reasonable time with a reasonable excuse, we decline to prosecute,” she explained.

“As a matter of practice worldwide, it is not everything you prosecute for. We are not automatons, that once something happens, bam, you press a button and you must prosecute.”

Further, the country’s top prosecutor indicated that the Integrity Commission has all the information and “are at liberty to review everything”.

Despite publication of the 2019-2020 annual report, officials at the commission have declined to comment on cases involving delinquent lawmakers, citing section 53 (3) of the Integrity Commission Act.

FRESH WAVE OF CRITICISMS

The silence by the corruption watchdog agency has triggered a fresh wave of criticisms.

It has also reignited debate among anti-corruption lobbyists about the effectiveness of the Integrity Commission Act, which was passed in 2017 with support from lawmakers on both sides of the political divide.

Under the previous legislation, Parliament (Integrity of Members) Act, annual reports crafted by the then Corruption Prevention Commission publicly identified parliamentarians who failed to make their statutory declarations or whose declarations raised red flags.

Professor Trevor Munroe, principal director of the National Integrity Action, the local affiliate of the global anti-corruption lobby Transparency International, called it a backward step for the public “to be kept in the dark regarding the names of parliamentarians now referred to the IC [Integrity Commission]”.

Noting that parliamentarians are there to serve the public interest, Anthony Clayton, Alcan Professor of Caribbean Sustainable Development at The University of the West Indies, said citizens must be able to hold them to account.

“If the delinquent parliamentarians are not named, and if there is no report of consequences and sanctions, then how can the public find out which parliamentarians have failed in their duty and may have betrayed the trust that the public has placed in them?” he questioned.

Jeanette Calder, executive director of Jamaica Accountability Meter Portal (JAMP), believes the three-year anti-corruption law has been a double-edged sword. She argued that while in some ways it has strengthened the fight against corruption, it has also weakened it.

“Declaration of assets is every country’s most fundamental anti-corruption tool. Yet Jamaicans are no longer privy to knowing which parliamentarians are unable to stand up to our integrity test,” Calder told The Sunday Gleaner.

“MPs who have committed offences under the act (late submissions, refusal to submit [declarations] and refusal to provide missing documentation) or details on which MPs were reported to Parliament and Director of Corruption Prosecution are now completely hidden.”

Describing this as a retrograde step, the JAMP executive director said there is need to challenge Section 56 of the Integrity Commission Act, which deals with how confidentiality of information is handled by the watchdog body.

“This contravenes the citizens’ right to know the moral undergirding of their leaders and a right which has been ours since 1973,” said Calder.

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