KINGSTON Jamaica – With a 48 per cent score, the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) has been named the government agency with the highest public satisfaction ratings in tackling corruption.

The data came from a recent survey published by National Integrity Action (NIA), and conducted by Don Anderson’s Market Research Services Ltd.

MOCA’s Director of Communications, Major Basil Jarrett, cites the agency’s consistent commitment to high quality outcomes, as a key factor in the rating.

“As we celebrate our 10th anniversary this year, we are heartened by the public’s recognition of our efforts”, said Jarrett. “This level of trust reaffirms MOCA’s pivotal role in addressing cyber and financial crimes, organised crime and systemic corruption, it also demonstrates the agency’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Jamaica’s institutions,” he said.

Jarrett says despite the positive results the work must continue.

“We know we have much more to do and to achieve given that the National Security environment is still challenging.”

Over the last three weeks, MOCA, with support from its law enforcement partners, has been involved in several high profile operations and arrests, including a $47 million dollar smishing scam involving the National Commercial Bank, a $17 million fraud investigation at the Human Employment and Resources Training Trust/National Training Agency (HEART Trust/NSTA), and most recently, an organised fraud scheme involving employees and contractors at Sagicor Group Jamaica Limited.

READ: MOCA arrests four in Sagicor fraud scheme

According to the survey, which was conducted between October and December 2023, MOCA also stands out in public knowledge and awareness levels, as 67 per cent of Jamaicans identify the agency as a key organisation responsible for monitoring and addressing integrity issues.

This is a 53 per cent leap, up from 14 per cent in 2021; 82 per cent of Jamaicans also report being more aware of corruption issues and 50 per cent identified the conviction and sentencing of high-level offenders as the best solution to combat corruption.

While being proud of the public approval ratings, Jarrett says that the agency recognises that the fight against corruption cannot be won in isolation. He noted that a major part of the agency’s success is down to its strategic partnerships and collaboration with other government bodies, local and overseas law enforcement entities and civil society groups, which he promises will continue in 2025 and beyond.

He also noted that public involvement and the support it gets from citizens, remains invaluable in MOCA’s effort.