New IC chair on a mission to achieve corruption-free Jamaica

Newly appointed Chairman of the Integrity Commission (IC), retired Justice Carol Lawrence-Beswick, has signalled that as head of the anti-corruption body she will dedicate herself to advancing the mission of a corruption-free Jamaica.

Responding to questions from The Gleaner, Lawrence-Beswick said the invitation to consider an appointment as chairman of the anti-corruption body was unexpected.

“I had not anticipated being called upon to lend my efforts to the significant work of the commission. I recognised the immense responsibility of serving as chairman of the commission,” the IC chairman noted, adding that she ultimately decided to accept the role.

Asked what steps, if any, she intends to take to safeguard the reputation of the IC as it carries out its mandate, Lawrence-Beswick said it is crucial that the credibility of the IC remains intact.

She argued that in a similar vein, lawmakers should be interested in safeguarding their individual and collective reputations.

“A good reputation is built on trust, respect, integrity, and consistent ethical behaviour - behaviour that reflects these characteristics safeguards a good reputation,” she added.

Lawrence-Beswick reasoned that both the lawmakers and the IC are mandated to serve the Jamaican people, and to work towards making the country better.

“If both work together towards this goal, the possibilities for success are endless.”

Government lawmakers have in the past locked horns with the IC over some investigation reports sent to Parliament. At one point, Justice Minister Delroy Chuck said the anti-corruption body had no “integrity” and that government lawmakers had no confidence in the reports published by the corruption watchdog.

“The commission has demonstrated a certain bias, a certain unfairness, which demonstrates that this Integrity Commission lacks integrity,” he declared while commenting on a motion of adjournment in Parliament in June 2023.

In her new role, Lawrence-Beswick indicated that before she can bring new plans or ideas to the seven-year-old anti-corruption, she has to garner a full understanding of the working parts of the IC.

“It will be at that stage that I will be able to appreciate what works effectively and what does not,” she added.

She also made it clear that a change in leadership does not always mean that existing systems need to be altered.

“I am stepping into an organisation that is already functioning, and my role is to strengthen what works well, while refining areas that can be improved,” she said.

Since taking up the position of chairman, Lawrence-Beswick has been meeting with directors and staff of the IC and fellow commissioners to hear their thoughts and gain an understanding of the detailed and intricate operations of the commission.

Sending a message to those who fall under the remit of the IC, Lawrence-Beswick said the Integrity Commission Act merely formalises principles of accountability. “Compliance may sometimes involve temporary inconveniences, but it ultimately serves the greater good by exposing corruption where it exists, thereby being of benefit to the nation as a whole,” she said.

edmond.campbell@gleanerjm.com