International Anti-Corruption Day-VP calls for zero tolerance of corrupt practices |09 December 2011
The full text of Mr Faure’s message reads:
“December 9 has been declared by the United Nations as the International Anti-Corruption Day and the occasion is used almost worldwide to raise awareness about corruption and its detrimental effects on society.
“Through its ratification of the United Nations Convention against corruption in 2004, Seychelles demonstrated its recognition of this problem and the ever increasing adverse effects corruption has on the majority of citizens around the globe. It is a fact that corruption has no boundaries as it affects everybody; it affects countries big or small, rich or poor, from under-developed to developed ones. It is the result of decisions individuals or organisations take, which are driven by greed and absence of moral values when they choose to by-pass the good and established practices of fair competition to speedily enrich themselves at the destruction of the majority of the less affluent citizens of any country.
Corruption in all its forms endangers a country’s security, undermines the rule of law and weakens democratic institutions.
“As a developing country Seychelles is not immune from corrupt practices and has joined other countries in the anti-corruption fight. For small island states like ours, which are financially and economically vulnerable, it is critical that we have effective measures in place to mitigate the risks of corruption and not allow it to destroy the very fabric of our society. In this context, the government has reviewed certain laws and is gradually introducing others in an effort to strengthen our institutions and enhance accountability, transparency and efficiency in the public service and make good governance a standard practice. A code of conduct and ethics now guides all public officers on good practices in the workplace.
“On this International Anti-Corruption Day, under the theme ‘ACT – Against Corruption Today’, I urge each and every Seychellois to join forces in carrying out a merciless fight against any corrupt behaviours in our society.
“Whatever position you are holding, whatever your age, whether you are a public or private sector employee or even a student who may feel that you are not affected by this scourge today, you should make a collective effort to contain and eventually eradicate corruption from our country.
“Any corrupt activities will not just disappear like magic in one day, but I am convinced that through persistence in our combined and determined approaches of, not only preaching but more importantly, practicing moral values, accountability and transparency, we will inspire our young generations to change the mindset of those involved in such depraved activities.
“We should not allow corruption to impede, retard or kill our development and economic growth. The time is now for everyone to come together, to stand firm, play by the same rules and adopt the same principles for a concerted assault to eradicate this scourge.
“We must adopt a zero tolerance of corrupt practices and strive to make the Convention, of which we are a signatory, work and become the norm. We must have the integrity and moral fortitude to do the right thing. Financial gains from the reduction or eradication of corrupt practices will benefit the whole country through greater development of its infrastructure and improvement in the quality of lives of our people. This will in turn guarantee continued stability, progress and prosperity for every Seychellois – another win for Seychelles.”