It is an honor to offer Greetings on behalf of the Official Opposition on this historic occasion, that of the Turks and Caicos Islands for the first time recognizing the UN’s Anti – Corruption Day. I congratulate the Integrity Commission for seeing the value and the immediate benefits in recognizing this Day. I also pause at this time to congratulate the Commission on its work thus far and pledge my Party’s support to your efforts. The decision to hold several activities over a few days will undoubtedly increase much needed awareness and hopefully will begin a new approach to anti – corruption initiatives and the push to become a country of great repute known for its integrity.
The Theme 2014
I am equally excited about the Theme chosen to mark this occasion – INTEGRITY: THE BEDROCK OF PROSPERITY AND POSTERITY OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS. Honesty, uprightness, truthfulness and reliability are all words associated with Integrity. In fact one definition says “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness”. This theme simply posits or puts forward that moral uprightness should be the foundation of the wealth and future of these Islands. Who can disagree with such ambitions and bold positive statements spoken over our country? This ought not to be met with opposition and we will all perhaps agree that it is or should be. Nonetheless as we think on this theme, we ought to collectively and individually to reflect on the role that we are playing, have played and can play to maintain or achieve this. I offer the position that we are not there as yet but as sure as I am of my Statement, I am certain and confident that we are on our way and we can get there.
THE IMPORTANCE OF INTEGRITY
As Leader of the Opposition, I see my role as critical in ensuring that we achieve this objective and it begins with me as an individual. The Opposition plays a part in ensuring good governance particularly as a built in oversight body in our democracy. However as elected representatives much rest on my colleagues and I to serve the people of these Islands with integrity whether in our official capacity or in our personal lives. This ought never to be taken lightly as decisions made today can and affect generations to come and it ought to be our goal to leave a legacy of good decisions, good deeds and good reputation. As a guardian much is expected. I salute other Institutions that are equally as important and ought to be seen as valued partners. Nonetheless, the importance of Good Governance achieved through honest, transparent and accountable actions by persons in elected positions of trust can never be overemphasized. Integrity ought to become the watch word of those in leadership and this begins in our individual lives.
Moral uprightness has not occupied the place of prominence it used to in time past and this must see a reversal. Our upbringing was based on solid Christian principles – the tenants of our faith taught us to honor God, to respect authority, to be honest in our dealings, to work honestly for honest pay, respect self and others and to be firm in our moral stance. We must return to this foundation. The Church, our most valued partner must play its role in nation building and must join front in center in ensuring that we uphold this tradition. Not all traditions should be abandoned and the determination to ensure that our children attend Sunday School, Bible Class or Children’s Ministry, Youth Group Ministry and Church cannot be ignored if we want integrity to become the bedrock of prosperity and posterity for these Islands.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTNERING TO EDUCATE
We therefore must come to the realization that no one can achieve this alone and it must be a cooperative effort with all other stakeholders. As a single unit working together from the national to the community to the individual level with a commonness of purpose to maintaining integrity in the halls of politics and in every other national area of decision making and in our personal lives, this objective is achievable. We must have a zero tolerance for anything less. Buy in is critical from all stakeholders and we must view ourselves as partners and not adversaries noting that this can only be achieved through education, mutual trust, respect and consistency in our actions.
THE NEED TO PUSH FORWARD
The fight against corruption is nothing new to any part of the world but it must not be allowed to take root in these Islands. Unfortunately places and people are too often known for the bad rather than the good but it must then be our determination to ensure that there is much “more” good about us.
As already leaders in the anti – corruption fight regionally, we must hold ourselves to the high standard that others have set for us. It is a good thing to be seen in this light and worthy of celebration. We must accept this burden that it places on us and it must become a burden that we are happy to bear. It is therefore then incumbent on all of us to do our part to maintain the image that we seek to have others see. On our jobs and wherever we serve we must hold fast to the vision of making today’s Theme a reality. From the home, we must train our children to understand the value of becoming men and women of integrity so that a wholesome and godly heritage can pass on from us to our future generations and we must remember that we ought always to practise what we preach. This was and must return as the bedrock of these Islands. As guardians through Institutions we must serve and lead with integrity and without fear or favour. It is only then that we can truly celebrate the accomplishment of today’s theme INTEGRITY: THE BEDROCK OF PROSPERITY AND POSTERITY OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.
I say congratulations again to the Commission, to those of you who are in attendance here and to you’re the Schools and students who will receive awards later on today.
May God lead, guide and bless us all. I am ready to do my part, are you?
