Strong support for anti-corruption campaign

By Staff Writer

Following what they say is a growing public call for accountability, transparency and better governance, the Anti-Corruption Commission launched a campaign about a month ago to enforce the fight against corruption, in particular, leading up to the general election.

The campaign was far reaching, using both print and online media to help to get the message out that corruption in any form would not be tolerated in the Cayman Islands. The Elections Office also highlighted the campaign information in a special briefing presentation which was attended by 120 agents and eight candidates, the ACC said in a press statement.

Denouncing any form of corruption in the Cayman Islands as a whole was reinforced by the extension of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption to the Cayman Islands late last year. the ACC said.

“As we approach the final days before the 2021 General Election, the ACC and the Elections Office wish to extend sincere thanks to the candidates and general public for the support expressed since the launch of the campaign,” the Commission stated. “This support has been highlighted through candidates’ advocacy against corruption during debates, public forums and campaign meetings.”

They also highlighted the role that voters themselves had played in the fight against corruption, through seemingly increased reporting and complaints of voter influence and public concerns about some activities and comments on the campaign trail.

The ACC and the Elections Office said they understood that there had been some concern that the publication of the names of those candidates who publicly signed the pledge, could have drawn a negative inference for those that have not. It was therefore agreed that they would no longer publish the participating candidates’ names.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we note that the affirmation of both the Candidate’s and the Voter’s

Pledges are only one of the many tools used to promote anti-corruption efforts.The ACC and the Elections Office continue to encourage the strong commitment of the Cayman Islands to the democratic process in our general elections,” it stated.

Follow the campaign via social media using: #ACTCayman2021