THE JAMAICA Chamber of Commerce (JCC) is developing a framework for investigating corrupt practices in the local business community and enforcing its two-year-old code of ethics.
Chamber directors yesterday agreed that against the background of increased concern about corruption, it was in the interest of the organisation to take a tough stance against unethical practices, especially any detected within its own ranks. The Chamber has set up an internal committee to chart its approach to the matter.
"The first step in changing corruption and improving trust and ethics in society begins with ourselves," Chamber of Commerce president Anthony V. Chang told directors at yesterday's board meeting.
Describing the local business environment as one characterised by distrust and one "where the prize or profit goes towards the firms that are not efficient and well managed, but to those that are best at 'bandoolooism'", Mr. Chang noted the Chamber earlier this year brought in two persons from separate non-governmental organisations to lend their experience in anti-corruption practices.
However, he pointed out many underhand business practices were done to get around bureaucratic obstacles.
"How can it be morally correct for agencies to have in place complicated, arbitrary and anti-business procedures and systems and expect business persons to conduct business normally and efficiently? This state of affairs makes it difficult for many to conduct business... and thus tempts many to corrupt their way forward," he said.
Past president of the Chamber Howard Hamilton, said corruption in the private sector could not be addressed without support from the justice system and stressed persons guilty of unfair and underhand business practices needed to be punished because they benefited at the expense of honest business persons.
"We cannot, as a Chamber, do things in isolation when the justice system does not have the same level of concern."
