2012 Theme: Act Against Corruption Today

International Anti- Corruption Day was Sunday 9^th December and the Cayman Islands Ant-Corruption Commission issued a statement under the title “Integrity is non-negotiable” as follows:

“Corruption threatens Cayman’s development, democracy and stability. It distorts financial markets, curbs economic growth, and discourages inward investment. At the same time, it has the opportunity to contribute to decisions and actions that damage our vital natural environment.

“Ultimately, corruption erodes public services and your trust in public officials.

“The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) calls on the public service, private sector, and NGO’s to implement ant-corruption policies that promote sound ethical performance. Collectively and cohesively we can strengthen the country’s integrity, transparency, and future.

“The ACC encourages and supports your efforts to act against corruption!”

Corruption is a complex social, political and economic phenomenon that affects all countries. Corruption undermines democratic institutions, slows economic development and contributes to governmental instability. Corruption attacks the foundation of democratic institutions by distorting electoral processes, perverting the rule of law and creating bureaucratic quagmires whose only reason for existing is the soliciting of bribes. Economic development is stunted because foreign direct investment is discouraged and small businesses within the country often find it impossible to overcome the “start-up costs” required because of corruption.

On 31 October 2003, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption and requested that the Secretary-General designate the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as secretariat for the Convention’s Conference of States Parties (resolution 58/4).

The Assembly also designated 9 December as International Anti-Corruption Day, to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the Convention in combating and preventing it.  The Convention entered into force in December 2005.

Cayman Island’s Confidential Reporting Line is 1-345-928-1747

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