MOCA NAMED JAMAICA’S LEADING ANTI-CORRUPTION AGENCY IN RECENT SURVEY

A recent survey published by National Integrity Action (NIA), and conducted by Don Anderson’s Market Research Services Ltd., has revealed that the Major Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) is the government agency with the highest public satisfaction ratings in tackling corruption, achieving a class leading 48% approval rating.

While the results come amidst persistent public concern about Jamaica’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI), MOCA’s Director of Communications, Major Basil Jarrett says the Agency’s consistent commitment to achieving its mandate of delivering high quality outcomes, demonstrates that focused, transparent, and strategic enforcement can yield tangible results.

“As we celebrate our 10th anniversary this year, we are heartened by the public’s recognition of our efforts and remain steadfast in our mission to promote accountability, integrity, and transparency across Jamaica”, said Jarrett. “This level of trust reaffirms MOCA’s pivotal role in addressing cyber and financial crimes, organized crime and systemic corruption, It also demonstrates the Agency’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Jamaica’s institutions”.

“We are encouraged by the results”, he continued, “but we know we have much more to do and to achieve given that the National Security environment is still challenging”.

According to the survey, which was conducted between October and December 2023, MOCA also stands out in public knowledge and awareness levels, as 67% of Jamaicans identify the agency as a key organization responsible for monitoring and addressing integrity issues. The numbers represent an impressive 53 percentage points leap, up from 14% in 2021. While noting that public awareness of corruption continues to grow with 82% of Jamaicans reporting being more aware of corruption issues compared to two years ago, the survey also hinted at the critical role of the law enforcement body’s relevance in the anti-corruption fight, demonstrated by the fact that 50% of respondents identified the conviction and sentencing of high-level offenders as the best solution to combat corruption.

Over the last 3 weeks, MOCA with support from its law enforcement partners, has been involved in several high profile and highly publicised operations and arrests, including a $47 million dollar smishing scam involving the National Commercial Bank, a $17 million fraud investigation at the Human Employment and Resources Training Trust/National Training Agency (HEART Trust/NSTA), and most recently, an organized fraud scheme involving employees and contractors at Sagicor Group Jamaica Limited.

While being proud of the public approval ratings, Jarrett says that the Agency recognizes that the fight against corruption cannot be won in isolation. He noted that a major part of the Agency’s success is down to its strategic partnerships and collaboration with other government bodies, local and overseas law enforcement entities and civil society groups, which he promises will continue in 2025 and beyond. He also noted that public involvement and the support it gets from citizens, remains invaluable in MOCA’s effort and urged Jamaicans to continue to report corrupt activities through its 2-year-old reporting tip-line, 888-MOCA-TIP.

This year, MOCA is celebrating its 10th Anniversary and is reaffirming its commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to organized crime and corruption. The Agency is calling on law-abiding Jamaicans to continue to support its efforts by providing information, standing against corruption, and becoming ambassadors for integrity, in order to create a society where integrity, fairness and accountability are non-negotiable.