LONDON, England – Heads of integrity commissions and anti-corruption bodies from across the Caribbean concluded their annual meeting in Jamaica recently with renewed commitments to strengthen cooperation, share practical solutions and reinforce integrity systems across the region and the Commonwealth.
Hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat, in collaboration with The Bahamas Public Disclosure Commission and the Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies in the Caribbean, provided a platform for peer learning, collaboration and frank discussion on regional priorities.
Discussions focused on improving institutional capacity and expanding the exchange of best practice among anti-corruption agencies. Dr Roger Koranteng, acting senior director, governance and peace directorate, who is also head of public sector governance at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said:
“Corruption is a shared challenge, and it demands a shared response. Across the Caribbean, Commonwealth member countries face many of the same risks, but they are also developing innovative solutions.
“This conference has demonstrated the value of bringing anti-corruption leaders together to exchange ideas, share practical responses and strengthen the region’s collective ability to protect integrity, accountability and public trust.
“The Commonwealth Secretariat remains committed to supporting member countries as they work to build more transparent, accountable and resilient institutions.”
The conference, held under the theme Strengthening Regional Integrity Efforts and Anti-Corruption Mechanisms in an Evolving Global Environment, also underscored the value of South-South cooperation. Participants reflected candidly on national progress and explored practical ways to strengthen legal safeguards, institutional independence, operational autonomy and sustainable financing for anti-corruption bodies.
Key outcomes
Key outcomes included strengthening whistleblower protections, expanding professional development, deepening cooperation with regional and international partners, and improving transparency, public engagement and trust. Participants also called on governments, parliaments, civil society, media and the private sector to help safeguard the independence and effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions.
The meeting builds on the momentum of the 16th Commonwealth Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa, held in Cameroon in May, which focused on using artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to strengthen investigations, improve risk detection and support public sector oversight. Together, these regional meetings reflect the Commonwealth Secretariat’s wider commitment to advancing transparency, accountability and public trust in the fight against corruption.
Conversations on good governance and anti-corruption perspectives across the Caribbean were timely and will inform the wider Commonwealth dialogue at the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, in November.