Presentation by: Jamie-Ann Chevannes

National Integrity Action

June 28, 2014

What is Democracy? The concept of democracy is derived from the Greek

words “demos” and “kratia”.

Demos meaning “the people”.

Kratia meaning “to rule”.

So a very simple definition or way to think of democracy then is “people rule”.

a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives

Democracy

Regular, free and fair elections of representatives, which is open to all citizens

Subjects government to the rule of law and ensures that all citizens receive equal

protection under the law

Citizens not only have rights but they have a responsibility to participate in the political system that ,

in turn should protect their rights and freedoms

Majority rule, coupled with individual and minority rights. Respects the will of the

majority but protects the fundamental rights of the individual and minorities

Principles/Indicators of a Healthy Democracy

Pitfalls of the Democratic Process in Jamaica

The democratic process in Jamaica is thwarted in many ways, such as:

a) Citizens not fully aware of their rights and individual responsibility, leading to general apathy towards the governance process

b) Interest of a few as opposed to that of the majority of citizens being served, which is reflected in the development of legislation and policies

c) Government and other high ranking public officials, seemingly are not subject to the laws of the land

In your Opinion does Jamaica’s Democracy Adhere to the Basic

Principles Assessment:

1. Do you consider elections to be ‘free and fair’?

2. When an election occurs do citizens turn out in their numbers to participate in the process?

3. Are those in government held to the rule of law of the land?

4. Do you believe that your rights and freedoms as an individual are protected?

Pitfalls of the Democratic Process in Jamaica

With these pitfalls becoming more pervasive in our system of governance, Jamaica has now to deal with the

major issue of

CORRUPTION!!!

What is Corruption?

Transparency International defines corruption as the

ABUSE OF ENTRUSTED POWER FOR PRIVATE GAIN”.

clip from “Cost of Corruption” with Mutabarukka – an illustration

Types of Corruption

Corruption

Petty Corruption

Bribery Nepotism

Grand Corruption

Abuse of Discretion/

Kickbacks

Tax Evasion

Current Attitudes towards Corruption

Corrupt behaviour has become so common place that it has now become a norm in the way we carry out much of our activities.

Corrupt behaviour seemingly always has a justification due to:

a) Needs

b) Affordability

c) Mobility – “ I scratch your back, you scratch mine” mentality

Current Attitudes towards Corruption

Survey done last year found that 74% of Jamaicans, that is 7 in every 10 person, felt that our parliamentarians, the leaders of our country are corrupt.

Almost half our population, 48% and 46% felt that the judiciary and our public servants, people staffing our courts and public offices like the tax office, are corrupt

Effect of Corruption in Jamaica

Jamaica’s National Security Policy 2013 (available in the Cabinet Office Website)

identifies amongst the “high impact, high probability, Tier 1 clear and present dangers [to Jamaica] …

corruption of elected and public officials”

Effect of Corruption in Jamaica

1. Deterioration of social institutions – schools (primary to university), hospitals, police force, fire brigade

2. Breakdown of the physical infrastructure – no money for roads, expansion of water supply

3. Loss of investment, local and foreign, in the country which means less opportunity for young individuals.

4. Growing disparity in wealth and opportunities among different classes of people

5. Lack of accountability and transparency by the elected government

Doing Politics Differently: Improving Jamaica’s Democratic

Governance Process by Implementing Anti-Corruption

Measures leading to greater Transparency and Accountability

Doing Politics Differently: Combatting Corruption in Jamaica Means advocating for changes at the highest level,

which includes :

a) New legislation to strengthen transparency and accountability in government

b) For enforcement of the laws against those that are corrupt

c) The strengthening of anti-corruption agencies allowing them to function more effectively

Doing Politics Differently: Combatting Corruption in Jamaica Means each of us taking an individual responsibility to

exercise our franchise and letting your opinion be heard by :

a) voting,

b) calling in to talk shows,

c) writing letters for publication in newspapers and other forms of print

d) starting conversation in your own space – home, church, school, place of work etc

Doing Politics Differently: Results

Less Corruption = More Investment =

More Jobs