Prime Minister Wescot-Williams met with Head of the Department of Interior and Kingdom Relations Marc Arnold and Principles of Transparency International (TI) at her Cabinet on Tuesday ahead of the Integrity Assessment that the institution will carry out in the coming weeks. Prime Minister met with TI Regional Director to the Americas Alejandro Salas, TI Program Coordinator for the Americas Max Heywood, TI Communications Expert Natalie Naharav and TI Representative Cora De Wit in order to discuss the pending National Integrity Assessment.
"A National Integrity System assessment evaluates the principal institutions and actors that form a state, including all branches of government, the media, the public and private sectors, and civil society. The purpose of such a study is to identify the risk factors in a given country that foster corruption as well as medium and long-term solutions to help reduce those risks.
No matter how overt and obvious its consequences are for society, corruption is a crime that prefers to remain covert and concealed. It can take root in many areas of a society, whether in government or law enforcement, or among other actors like the media, business, political parties and so on.
Transparency International developed the National Integrity System approach as a comprehensive means of assessing a country’s anti-corruption efficacy sector by sector. It allows a nuanced analysis of national efforts to stamp out corruption.
PILLARS OF NATIONAL INTEGRITY
The National Integrity System evaluates key ‘pillars’ in a country’s governance system, both in terms of their internal corruption risks and their contribution to fighting corruption in society at large.
When all the pillars in a National Integrity System are functioning well, corruption remains in check. If some or all of the pillars wobble, these weaknesses can allow corruption to thrive and damage a society.
The pillars analyzed in a National Integrity System assessment typically include: the legislative branch of government, the executive branch of government, the Judiciary, the Public sector, Law enforcement, Electoral management body, the Ombudsman, the Audit institution, Anti-corruption agencies, Political parties, the Media, Civil society, and Business.
NATIONAL INTEGRITY SYSTEM ASSESSMENTS
A National Integrity System assessment examines both the formal framework of each pillar and the actual institutional practice. The analysis highlights discrepancies between the formal provisions and reality on the ground, making it clear where there is room for improvement.
The analysis is undertaken via a consultative approach, involving the key anti-corruption agents in government, civil society, the business community and other sectors.
Conclusions are drawn together in a comprehensive national report to build momentum, political will and civic pressure for relevant reform initiatives.
According to TI the program will ultimately result in a strengthening the National Integrity System promotes better governance across all aspects of a society and contributes to a more just society overall.