Dear Editor,

The anti-corruption laws in Jamaica seem to be all bark and no bite. Corruption of public officials in Jamaica today is rampant, yet it is very rare that anyone is ever caught. If you use your office contrary to the best interest of your respective constituents, then you are deemed to have acted corruptly.

In the USA, it is a serious offence to accept gifts while holding public office.

In the state of Alabama, it is a Class B felony, punishable for up to 20 years to commit the following corrupt acts.

* Use of official position or office for personal gain

* Use of contributions

* Offering, soliciting, or accepting things of value for purpose of influencing official action

* Use or disclosure of confidential information for personal financial gain

* Voting in matters with financial interest

* Service on regulatory boards and commissions regulating business with which person associated

* Representation of client or constituent before board, regulatory body, etc

* Entering into contracts which are to be paid out of government funds

* Offering, soliciting thing of value to or by member of regulatory body

* Actions of former public officials or public employees prohibited for two years after departure

* Failure to file statement of economic interests

* Failure to submit statements of economic interests by candidates

* Reports made by people related to public officials or public employees who represent persons before regulatory body or contract with state

* False reporting for the purpose of influencing legislation.

In Jamaica, we are full of laws, but sadly, we are lacking in the area of enforcement. In order to eliminate corruption of public officials, we need to start convicting them for even the slightest violation. Some politicians are the greatest abusers of public office and it’s time we start sending them to prison.

Another corrupt act that is rampant in Jamaica, yet widely overlooked is the “revolving door syndrome”. Wikipedia defines the syndrome as the movement of personnel between roles as legislators and regulators and the industries affected by the legislation and regulation and within lobbying companies. In some cases, the roles are performed in sequence but in certain circumstances may be performed at the same time. Political analysts claim that an unhealthy relationship can develop between the private sector and government, based on the granting of reciprocated privileges to the detriment of the nation and can lead to regulatory capture.

If you look carefully, one will notice a distinct pattern of some Jamaican public officials migrating in a short span between the public and private sector. Political donations and endorsements can be granted by vested interest to a government, if the government employs people who are loyal to the vested interest.

It is stated that the benefits to industry from recruiting or working with people with senior government experience includes:

* Access to government, including influential politicians

* Favourable policy and regulation.

* Insider knowledge

* Awarding of contracts for government work.

A law in the penal code of France governing public officials who move between the public and private sectors requires a three-year wait between working in the government and taking a job in the private sector. If we were to employ some of these regulations in Jamaica today, it would go a long way in curtailing the corruption of public officials.

Neville Beckford

St Catherine

beckkid@hotmail.com