Representatives
of The Bahamas, Barbados, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and
Tobago sign a joint statement emphasizing the region’s commitment to
transparency and integrity
MIAMI, Florida – In commemoration of International
Anti-Corruption Day, the Inter-American Development Bank hosted a
regional Ministerial meeting on December 5, 2014 to contribute to the
Caribbean’s dialogue on transparency and integrity in enhancing
development and unlocking growth.
Ministerial delegates of sixCaribbean countries gathered in Miami for
a landmark discussion on the positive impact of more transparent
governance on the equity and competitiveness of the Caribbean economies.
The event explored opportunities to promote transparency and integrity
and the positive impact this has on growth, competitiveness and
investment. Participants discussed key trends, challenges and
opportunities for improving governance and areas of potential
collaboration with the IDB. The discussions underscored not only the
costs of corruption, but also the benefits of transparent government in
improving public services to citizens.
Various ministers of economy and finance of IDB-Member Caribbean
countries attended the Miami meeting, including senior officials from
The Bahamas, Barbados, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and
Tobago. These officials reaffirmed the Caribbean region’s commitment to
fight corruption and to strengthen governance by signing a joint
statement at the conclusion of the event.
Dr. Sanjeev Khagram, John Parke Young Professor of Political Economy
at Occidental College and senior advisor to the Global Initiative for
Fiscal Transparency, highlighted the need to further fiscal transparency
and financial integrity. Dr. Robert Klitgaard, University Professor at
Claremont Graduate University, illustrated recent innovation in
transparent governance and open government. Professor Trevor Munroe,
Executive Director of Jamaica’s National Integrity Action, moderated a
panel of regional officials which discussed the challenges and positive
actions being taken by the countries to address transparency issues.
Gerard Johnson, the General Manager of the IDB’s Caribbean Department
stated: “A small economy has to be handled carefully. But the
Caribbean’s growth is falling behind other small economies. To catch up,
transparency will probably be put under pressure. Showing that
governance is transparent and fair will be key to social cohesion and
growth. We have to set a strict priorities for new investments; focusing
on projects that get the biggest bang for the buck. The IDB appreciates
its relationship of trust with regional authorities that makes it
possible to collaborate on projects that make government more effective,
efficient and open so as to deliver better services to their citizens.”
