Corruption at ‘systemic’ levels in Jamaica

(Jamaica Observer): Contractor General Greg Christie yesterday called for the creation of a special agency to fight corruption, asserting official graft has reached "systemic" levels. Christie said there is credible evidence Jamaica’s law enforcement and anti-corruption institutions have been ineffective in netting the "big fish" involved in practices that corrode the island’s society. For years, and despite having on paper what some might regard to be a relatively comprehensive anti-corruption institutional framework, corruption in Jamaica, particularly the corruption that is perceived to be taking place in high places, has enjoyed a field day," Christie said at the close of a two-day regional anti-corruption conference.

Christie, whose position comes with extensive statutory powers of investigation and subpoena, said it is crucial the government recognise that efforts in combating graft have fallen short.
He said Jamaican leaders must show political will to effectively battle corruption, which has "already condemned the great majority of Jamaicans to a future of relative poverty and dismal hopelessness."

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