Financial Crime World

Commonwealth Caribbean Nations Unite to Combat Corruption

In a bid to strengthen anti-corruption efforts, heads of anti-corruption agencies from across the Caribbean gathered in St Kitts and Nevis for their annual conference. The 8th Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies (CCAICACB) took place from May 23-27, bringing together experts and officials from over a dozen countries.

A Critical Time for Collaboration

The conference came at a critical time as the world continues to recover from the devastating socio-economic impact of COVID-19. The pandemic has created ample opportunities for corruption to grow and thrive. Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to working with member states to combat corruption head-on, emphasizing that “no country, region, or community is immune” to this scourge.

Key Outcomes

  • Delegates committed to fostering greater networking and coordination among national and regional agencies to strengthen anti-corruption work.
  • The conference reviewed national and regional anti-corruption efforts, shared knowledge and good practices, and discussed the impacts of corruption on sustainable development.
  • Delegates agreed to invite CARICOM and other internationally-recognized organizations to collaborate in anti-corruption efforts.
  • They called on governments to provide adequate financial, technical, and human resources to Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies.

Promoting Transparency and Education

  • Delegates recognized the value of education and training in fighting corruption, agreeing to provide more resources for public education and advocate for anti-corruption being placed in the curriculum in the formal education system.
  • The conference saw delegates promote and embrace blockchain technology as a means of preventing corruption by providing transparency and immutability.

Awards and Recognition

  • Dr Roger Koranteng, Adviser and Head of Public Sector Governance at the Commonwealth Secretariat, received an award for his commitment to the fight against corruption and for establishing such a vibrant network of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies in the Caribbean.

New Publication Launched

A new Commonwealth Secretariat publication titled “Combatting Corruption in the Commonwealth Caribbean” was launched during the conference. The publication highlights the success stories of six countries that have made significant progress in combating corruption, showcasing best practices and knowledge shared by international organizations and practitioners.

Next Steps

The next CCAICACB conference is scheduled to take place in 2023 in St Lucia. Read the communiqué from this year’s meeting and learn more about the Commonwealth Secretariat’s work in tackling corruption.