18 / 56
16
Strengthening Corruption-Prevention Authorities
We will strengthen the framework for corruption prevention and
prosecution of corruption through the creation of a single anti-
corruption agency, revising the work already under way at the
Parliament, but making revisions to ensure its effectiveness. The
body will absorb the Corruption Prevention Commission and the
Parliamentary Integrity Commission as well as the Office of the
Contractor-General.
No More Cover-Ups
We will make provisions for reports from the Auditor General, Contractor
General, Public Defender, Corruption Prevention Commission* and
Integrity Commission* to be debated within 30 days of submission to
Parliament.
*until replaced
We will also provide special resources for the Public Administration and
Appropriations Committee and Public Accounts Committee, so that they
are more effective in their roles.
Tougher Penalties for Breach of Integrity in
Public Office
Swift and appropriate sanctions will be imposed for breaches of the laws
which relate to public service and governance, particularly as they relate
to - the Corruption Prevention Act, the Financial Administration and Audit
Act, the Public Bodies Management & Accountability Act, Contractor
General Act and the Procurement Rules and Guidelines.
HUMAN RIGHTS & JUSTICE
Access to justice is a critical feature of democracies. Providing the assurance that our justice system is robust, equitable and
impartial is a priority.
The Jamaica Labour Party recognizes that there is tremendous work still to be done in reforming the justice system so that
more of our people can have faith in the system. A part of the responsibility falls on our citizens who we need to encourage
and empower to participate in the system, but it is still the government’s responsibility to ensure the justice systems and infra-
structure are more effective, efficient and robust.
In fulfilling our commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of the people of Jamaica, the next Jamaica Labour Party
Government will build on the strides made during our last term of office by continuing to:
•
Re-energize the justice reform programme;
•
Institute a programme to remove and repeal outdated legislation;
•
Reduce criminal and civil case backlogs;
•
Strengthen the independence and capacity of the judiciary and the prosecutorial service;
•
Modernize and better maintain the courts;
•
Provide more court spaces;
•
Protect vulnerable groups.
•
As a major thrust towards the protection of the rights of our citizens, the next Jamaica Labour Party Government will
also establish a Human Rights Commission to ensure that there is an institution focused purely on protecting the rights
of Jamaicans. In 2011, we passed the Charter of Rights, enshrining in the constitution, the basic rights of all citizens.
The Human Rights Commission will ensure that as we navigate the waters of our changing society, the rights of citizens
will always be protected.