ACCS calls for more cooperation among stakeholders and law enforcement agencies |26 May 2018
The need for closer cooperation among the different stakeholders and law enforcement agencies is a crucial element in the fight against corruption, delegates at a high-level consultation meeting held yesterday agreed.
Jointly hosted by the Anti-Corruption Commission Seychelles (ACCS) and the Commonwealth Secretariat, the meeting held at the Ministry of Finance conference room at Liberty House gathered delegates from the President’s Office, Ministry of Finance, the Police, the Financial Intelligence Unit, Attorney General, and Financial Services Authority, Office of the Ombudsman, the Central Bank, Immigration, Auditor General, Transparency Initiative Seychelles and the Seychelles Revenue Commission.
The preliminary discussions on the modalities for a reinforced and more effective collaboration among the agencies were led by Dr Navin Beekarry, chairperson and director general of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Mauritius and Shadrach Haruna who is a legal adviser from the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Launching the work, chairman of the ACCS Judge Duncan Gaswaga said corruption is one of the biggest tragedies of mankind as it threatens the security and stability of societies, undermines institutions and values of democracy, ethical values and justice and jeopardises sustainable development and the rule of law.
He said it also leads to human rights violation, affects health, education, environment, tourism and prosperity and allows organised crimes.
No country, region, or community is immune to corruption, whether developed, or under developed.
“Depending on one’s perspective, this phenomenon which manifests itself in different ways is often conducted in secrecy and is very difficult to describe, or measure, let alone eradicate,” added Judge Gaswaga.
With over 16 years of experience in the anti-corruption field, Dr Beekarry said Mauritius’ success comes through an inter-agency working group, gathering public and private groups, as well as members of the civil society who join forces with the anti-corruption committee.
He noted that it is impossible for the anti-corruption committee to work alone and that is the main reason there is a great need for closer cooperation among the different stakeholders and law enforcement agencies.
Dr Beekarry added that Mauritius can also share its experience in the fields of enquiry, prevention and education to strengthen Seychelles’ newly set up system
As for the areas that need a boost, Dr Beekarry suggested the setting up of the various departments, more recruitment and also the introduction of a roadmap, along with a national risk assessment to show areas where corruption is more likely to happen.
As part of the ongoing cooperation between the two neighbouring countries, the ICAC sent one of its officers, namely Paramhans Aleear, the assistant director of investigations within the Corruption Investigation Division for a month-long working visit, where he trained various local personnel from different departments directly involved.
Illustrating the perfect team work between the agencies, Mr Haruna used the example of the Attorney General’s office being responsible for prosecution, while the police will be the key party in the investigation, with ministry of information being the key element in enlightening the public.
As for the chief executive of the ACCS May De Silva, she said a memorandum of understanding has been signed with the ICAC as part of the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
This, she said, will be a boost in setting up the local structure, as Mauritius is well experienced in the field.
Ms De Silva added that the main areas of recommendations from the Commonwealth Secretariat include the legal aspect, prevention and education.
She noted that to date the ACCS have 107 registered cases.