KINGSTON, Jamaica – Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen, has reiterated his call for Jamaicans to unite “in unrelenting action” against corruption, as they seek to create a more equitable and just society.

“We cannot extricate our people from poverty unless we eradicate systemic corruption, which constantly makes some rich and others poor, some as high rollers and others as no-rollers, some who can afford, and others who cannot,” he said.

The Governor General was addressing the opening ceremony of the inaugural Fraud and Anti-Corruption Conference 2015, at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston, on March 9.

The three-day conference is being hosted by the Office of the Contractor General, under the theme – ‘Confronting Corruption: Empowering a Generation, Transforming a Nation’

Endorsing the event, Allen commended organisers for dedicating the first session to children and youth, noting that they are among society’s most impressionable minds and are often affected by corruption.

 “It is at that level that we must pursue focused attention and action to ensure that they are sensitised against the destructive culture of corruption. I believe that youth who are positively motivated will be committed agents for change within their own families and their communities,” he said. 

Allen emphasised that the practice of corruption must be tackled within the family, “as too many parents have abdicated their nurturing and character building roles.” 

“Very often a child’s first introduction to corruption and corrupt practices is in the home. They witness parents or guardians stealing electricity and water and eluding the authorities, because of those and other illicit acts,” he said.