Absence of data stumbling block for Transparency International research

December 10, 2014 7:58 AM
PHILIPSBURG--The absence of academic research, data and figures for various sectors of St. Maarten has been a stumbling block for researchers executing Transparency International’s (TI’s) National Integrity Systems Assessments of government.
 
This has been countered by “good openness” of discussion by stakeholders in civil society and government.
 
A team from TI is in the country this week for follow-up research to aim for the completion of the country’s assessment by the first quarter of 2015.
Stakeholders from civil society and government have been invited to a closed-door workshop related to the TI research at University of St. Martin (USM) on Friday. At that workshop, the TI team will gather from attendees their views on integrity and transparency matters and with their cues prioritize recommendations to improve the country’s systems.
 
TI Americas Department Regional Coordinator Max Heywood told The Daily Herald in an interview at Holland House on Tuesday there is “no quick fix” for integrity and corruption issues in any country where such may exist. Everyone in the community has to be part of the solution. “Input is needed from everyone. No one integrity committee can fix it.”
The team has found “some gaps” in the country’s legislation on integrity and anti-corruption. Those gaps were primarily based on the letter of the law and putting the law into practice. Also contributing to the gap is the “need for resources” by the institutions that must execute the legislation, Heywood said.
 
When the TI report is delivered to government, it will be up to St. Maarten to adopt the recommendations. For that reason, going back to the community to get feedback in the upcoming workshop is key. People of the country should see themselves “reflected” in the report.
 
TI, as a non-governmental organisation, has the role “to create positive influences” to help the community.
 
TI Americas Department Regional Programme Manager Zoe Rieter said the report will give people “a strong set of clear priority recommendations.” With those recommendations, the report will become “a tool for the people” to demand execution and change where necessary.
The TI research started in last February with the first phase of interviews in July. The team is in the final phase of its research, of which Friday’s workshop will play a crucial role.
 
The Daily Herald

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