Integrity Commission Tackles Corruption Head-On with Restructuring Efforts
New Organization Structure Aims to Enhance Effectiveness in Fighting Corruption and Abuse of Power
The Integrity Commission, Guyana’s anti-corruption watchdog, has embarked on a major restructuring exercise aimed at strengthening its capacity to combat corruption and abuse of power.
Improved Capacity for Combating Corruption
According to sources within the commission, the new organization structure approved by Parliament and the Ministry of Finance in late 2019 is designed to better align with the commission’s statutory mandates. The revised structure will see an increase in staff complement from 132 to 170, with the addition of a new Corruption Prevention Division.
Criticism and Concerns
Commission Executive Director Greg Christie has expressed optimism about the restructuring exercise, saying that it was “designed and approved prior to the appointment of substantive Executive Director and Divisional Directors.” However, critics have raised concerns about the timing of the restructuring, which was undertaken before the commission’s leadership team was fully in place.
Statutory Mandates
The commission’s statutory mandates include investigating and prosecuting cases of corruption, as well as providing training and education on integrity issues. The new structure is expected to enhance the commission’s ability to effectively discharge its duties, including monitoring and reviewing the performance of government officials and other public servants.
Support from Oversight Committee
The Integrity Commission Oversight Committee, a parliamentary committee established to assess the effectiveness of the commission, has expressed support for the restructuring exercise, saying that it will “assist the commission in the proper performance of its functions.”
Concerns about Impact on Investigations and Prosecutions
However, not everyone is convinced about the benefits of the restructuring. Some critics have raised concerns about the potential impact on the commission’s ability to effectively investigate and prosecute cases of corruption.
“The new structure may lead to a loss of expertise and institutional memory within the commission,” said a source close to the commission. “The commission needs to prioritize building its capacity to investigate and prosecute cases, rather than just increasing staff numbers.”
Commitment to Mission
Despite these concerns, the Integrity Commission remains committed to its mission of promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Guyana.
Questions
- Will the restructuring exercise lead to improved efficiency and effectiveness in investigating and prosecuting cases of corruption?
- How will the commission ensure that it retains experienced staff and maintains institutional memory during the restructuring process?
- What measures will be taken to address any potential conflicts of interest or perceived biases within the newly restructured commission?