KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The Office of the Contractor General (OCG) has received computers and related equipment, valued at US$80,000, to assist in enhancing its operational capabilities.

The donation, from the United States (US) Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) Section, includes 50 desktop computers, six computer monitors, six personal scanners, four flatbed scanners, two network projectors, one multifunctional printer, five keyboards, three computer desks and five executive chairs.

Speaking at the handover ceremony held at his office in St Andrew yesterday, Contractor General, Dirk Harrison, said the donation will boost the overall Information and Communications Technology (ICT) capacity of the office in the fight against corruption.

“In order to effectively combat corruption, one must ensure that anti-corruption institutions and actors are equipped with the requisite skill set, expertise, tools and knowledge,” he pointed out.

In addition to providing computer equipment, the US Embassy has sponsored training of OCG personnel in contract and procurement fraud; effective integration and statement analysis; obtaining, managing and searching electronic evidence; digital forensics and fraud examination; investigative search strategies; digital forensic examination, among other areas.

Meanwhile, outgoing United States Ambassador to Jamaica, Luis G Moreno, said the fight against corruption is vital, noting that the scourge has far-reaching impact on economic growth, international reputation and social stability.

Moreno, who will complete his tour of duty in Jamaica at the end of June, said the country is making progress in its anti-corruption agenda, but said that there is still some work to be done in terms of holding people accountable.

The attendees at the handover ceremony included Mission Director for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Maura Barry Boyle; Deputy Chief of Mission for the US Embassy, Eric Khant; Head of the INL Section, Garth Hall, along with other representatives from the Embassy and the OCG.