International Anti-Corruption Day 2022: Fighting Corruption in St Kitts and Nevis

Introduction

Good day fellow Kittitians and Nevisians, home and abroad, and all persons who chose our Federation to be your home. Today, December 9, 2022, we join with the international community of responsible nations in celebrating International Anti-Corruption Day.

The Importance of International Anti-Corruption Day

The Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, and by extension the Government of St Kitts and Nevis, fully endorse and support efforts of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in “Uniting the World Against Corruption,” the theme for this year’s celebration.

The aim of the 2022 International Anti-Corruption Day and its related activities is to highlight the crucial link between anti-corruption and peace, security, and development.

The Role of Corruption in Our Society

At its core, corruption is the use of power for private gain. It is a greed-driven crime.

Corruption touches and concerns all of us. Just look at daily news items throughout the world, including right here at home in our recent past, and you will see how disastrous corruption is to societies.

The Need for Good Governance and Anti-Corruption

While your Government crafts and delivers a brand new diversified economy where ALL (not just some) can truly benefit, we must move forward as a Nation by eliminating corruption and its impact on our Treasury

Government Efforts to Address Corruption

We can all agree that there is an immediate need for good governance and greater openness in our Federation’s government. On August 5, 2022, our people called loudly for a new day and a better way in this important tenet of democracy.

It is because of this clear mandate from the people, your Government has moved swiftly to implement the main three pillars of our Federation’s Anti-Corruption programme.

Very shortly, the Integrity Commission will finally get the teeth needed to address corruption by high-level public officers in our Federation by way of amendments and regulations to the Integrity in Public Life Act.

Our proposed Anti-Corruption Act envisions the appointment of a Special Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute criminal acts of corruption throughout the Civil Service, Statutory Boards and Government-Owned Companies.

The Freedom of Information Act will finally be operationalized to allow access to the press and public to non-confidential Government information.

Why We Prioritize Anti-Corruption Legislation

Why are we doing all of this? Why are we prioritizing anti-corruption legislation?

Because Anti-corruption is built into our Country’s Motto: Country Above Self.

Our history demands not only that our leaders NOT be bought and sold but that we proudly proclaim that this is virtually impossible and that any attempts to do so will be subject to criminal sanctions imposed by law.

The Impact of Corruption on Our Economy

We must take these active steps because corruption can easily cripple small island-developing states like ours due to our size and limited resources. It can have a profoundly detrimental effect on public finances as governments collect less in tax revenue and overpay for goods and services or investment projects.

Conclusion

That is why tackling corruption is the right and responsibility of everyone, and only through cooperation and the involvement of each and every person and institution can we overcome the negative impact of this crime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is anti-corruption important?

A: Anti-corruption is important because it affects the well-being of our citizens and hinders our nation’s development.

Q: What is being done to address corruption in St Kitts and Nevis?

A: Our Government has initiated several measures to combat corruption, including strengthening the Integrity Commission, enacting an Anti-Corruption Act, and operationalizing the Freedom of Information Act.

Q: How can I get involved in fighting corruption?

A: You can get involved by participating in anti-corruption initiatives, speaking out against corruption, and holding elected officials accountable for their actions.