Basil Jarrett | Uniting our youth against corruption: The digital battlefield

LAST MONDAY’S celebration of International Anti-Corruption Day, themed ‘Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity’, found us at a crossroads. While Jamaica has commendably bolstered its anti-corruption agencies and mechanisms in recent years, it is clear that corruption still remains a formidable and persistent adversary. And this is before we start to factor in the rising threat of cyber-enabled corruption, fuelled by technological advancements and tech-savvy perpetrators. Without a doubt, there is now an urgent need to review and recalibrate our strategies, particularly when it comes to involving Jamaica’s youth.

From smishing scams that defraud the elderly to phishing schemes orchestrated through modern payment platforms, the battlefield is now predominantly digital. And it is increasingly being dominated on both sides by our youth, as the sobering reality is that young people are often over-represented in cybercrime statistics, both as victims and as perpetrators.

THE DIGITAL DILEMMA: YOUTH ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FENCE

Recent operations by the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency have exposed how young cybercriminals are exploiting technological vulnerabilities to perpetrate multimillion-dollar frauds, as the six individuals charged last week in connection with that $14-million smishing scam are all under the age of 35. Even more glaringly, the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Branch (CTOC) of the JCF last Tuesday arrested and charged seven persons, six of whom are between the ages of 19 and 23, for scamming a bank customer of over US$63,000.

While this is happening, young people are simultaneously over-represented on the victim side of the column, as indicated by National Commercial Bank’s (NCB) Head of Fraud investigations Dane Nicholson, who told us last week that 60 per cent of the bank’s cybercrime victims are age between 18 and 35. And here we thought it was grandma who was using ‘password123’ for all her online accounts.

The figures on both sides illustrate just how deeply entrenched cyber-enabled corruption has become and how young Jamaicans, often digital natives, are navigating a perilous terrain fraught with both opportunity and risk.

But here’s another perspective – youth involvement in corruption cannot be confined to the perpetration of crimes, as they are also integral to the solution. Digital literacy and awareness campaigns targeting this demographic can significantly curb the allure of cybercrime, while empowering young people to become vigilant guardians of transparency and accountability.

THE ROLE OF PARTNERSHIPS: A COLLECTIVE RESPONSE

Addressing cyber-enabled corruption demands, therefore, a united front, where law enforcement, academia, civil society, and international allies collaborate seamlessly. In regard to the latter, the recent award of $19.5 million by the British High Commission to National Integrity Acton towards raising public awareness about the need for anti-bribery legislation that promotes integrity in both the public and private sectors, is both timely and relevant.

By advocating for anti-bribery legislation and raising public awareness around this aspect of corruption, this initiative seeks to strengthen Jamaica’s anti-corruption framework, in accordance with a 2023 Don Anderson poll which highlighted the urgent need for public education on anti-bribery laws. With strategic partnerships like these, Jamaica can perhaps begin to foster a culture of integrity that transcends generational divides.

EDUCATION: THE KEY TO PREVENTION

And that’s why the integration of anti-corruption education into school curricula is such a crucial step in shaping tomorrow’s leaders. Comprehensive education on topics like digital integrity, the economic impact of corruption, and the importance of transparency can be of great value in inoculating young minds against the temptations of cyber-enabled corruption.

And because education isn’t just for the classroom, public awareness campaigns, like the one funded by the British High Commission, can certainly play a pivotal role in demystifying complex issues around cybercrime, galvanising public support and driving meaningful change.

THE ECONOMIC TOLL OF CORRUPTION

Globally, cybercrime and cyber-enabled crime cost an estimated $6 trillion annually and places enormous strain on financial institutions. It also erodes public trust, especially in our banking systems, and diverts resources away from essential services. Those smishing and phishing scams and the amounts of money involved are stark reminders of the economic vulnerabilities posed by digital fraud.

And yes, anti-corruption measures, including robust legislation and effective enforcement, are critical to mitigating these risks. But laws alone aren’t enough. A comprehensive approach that includes public education, community engagement, and international collaboration is essential for long-term resilience.

A CALL TO ACTION: YOUTH AS CATALYSTS FOR CHANGE

Now, circling back to Monday’s International Anti-Corruption Day and the theme ‘Uniting with Youth Against Corruption’, I believe that it should be seen as a rallying cry and a blueprint for action. Young Jamaicans, if equipped with the right tools and knowledge, can be powerful allies in the fight against corruption. Whether by reporting suspicious activities, advocating for transparency, or leading by example in their own communities, they have the potential to shape a future where integrity is the norm, not the exception.

But this requires systemic support. From enhanced digital literacy programmes to accessible reporting mechanisms, the government, private sector, and civil society must invest in creating an environment where our youth can thrive as agents of change. The stakes are too high to not do so.

Major Basil Jarrett is a communications strategist and CEO of Artemis Consulting, a communications consulting firm specialising in crisis communications and reputation management. Visit him at www.thecrisismajor.com. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.