12 May 2016 – As world leaders gathered in London for a major summit to set out their commitments to end corruption, the Commonwealth announced plans to step up its efforts to protect countries against bribery, fraud and other forms of corruption through the expansion of regional networks and practitioner partnerships.
Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, who hosted a pre-summit conference for civil society, business and government leaders including Nigeria’s President Buhari on 11 May, said the Commonwealth stands “shoulder to shoulder” with all those committed to calling time on corruption.
“Many of our countries are already facing stark economic and social challenges, and so they simply cannot afford to lose precious resources to corruption,” she said.
“This is why tackling this menace is high on my list of priorities, and why it is important that we commit to providing practical solutions, not simply words, to help countries to fight back against the corrupt practices which are robbing families of their wealth and opportunities and causing disillusionment and misery to so many.”
Delivering the Commonwealth statement to the summit, she announced that Commonwealth Anti-Corruption Networks will be established for the Pacific and Asia regions, building on the success of already established Commonwealth networks for anti-corruption agencies in Africa and the Caribbean.
The Secretary-General also confirmed plans to develop a new Commonwealth Standard to tackle corruption, as well as a new Commonwealth Office of Civil and Criminal Justice Reform.
“The Commonwealth empowers governments to take a stand and hold people and organisations accountable for their actions. We do this by bringing together national agencies and experts so that those who are struggling can learn what works best from those who are doing well. If we act in unison, and remain vigilant and innovative, we can do more than challenge the culture of corruption, we can consign it to history altogether.”
The Secretary-General’s statement to the Anti-Corruption Summit at Lancaster House on 12 May 2016 outlines how the Commonwealth Secretariat will continue to assist member countries by supporting investigators, prosecutors and other justice officials and ensuring assistance in the implementation of best-fit anti-corruption legislation.
The new Commonwealth anti-corruption networks in the Pacific and Asia will bring together heads of national anti-corruption agencies to provide training, exchange best practices, peer-review anti-corruption initiatives, benchmark performance, and enhance cross-border collaboration through the forging of region-wide and bilateral agreements.
The establishment of the Commonwealth’s anti-corruption network in Africa in 2011 was soon followed by the creation of the Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Centre, based in Botswana. Since then, Commonwealth member countries have consistently topped Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index for the least corrupt countries on the continent.
Nigeria and Ghana are just two of more than a dozen countries which have enhanced their ability to fight transnational crimes in West Africa through a partnership developed through the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Standard against corruption will be an international scheme that uses an assurance mark to identify which public and private sector bodies, institutions and other entities are adhering to best practice in procurement. “This validation will promote and differentiate organisations from those that do not share our aspirations in relation to tackling corruption,” said Secretary-General Scotland.
The new Commonwealth Office will serve as a source of expert advice and knowledge, a “fulcrum for innovation” and a vital support for governments and legal services. It will advocate for, lead and coordinate the Commonwealth’s support for the rule of law, constitutional reform and sustainable political, social, and economic development through civil and criminal justice reforms.
An individual can be admonished against corruption.
But how can they tell an independent, sovereign, self governing nation “Stop being corrupt” without meddling in its affairs? Each nation must take care of its own house.
It is the responsibility of the citizens to use the democratic system to vote out and get rid of corrupt politicians. Let those who have the intelligence to study their government do so. Identify whatever corruption is there and expose it. Examine your candidates at election time by evaluating their past performance. Good or bad use your media to make it known for the voters to act upon for the good of the nation.
The word “corruption” is being over worked. People ask who, where, when, and how? For the ignorant give us an example or three! What are you talking about?
A conference on other other side of the world to study corruption is not going to change anything. It is your people who must do it.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Dominicans have so much time to spare and money to spend yet the country is undeveloped. whenever the baroness opens her mouth London comes up. She knows how to break a circle to get a chain and then the links go one by one. In Dominica language you cannot kick against the prick. My advise would be pay your loans and bills on time. The Baroness is just a sprat to catch a shark. You all have plenty of spare time so read your bible and thanks god for small mercies. The Baroness has work to do and won’t waste her time reading your gossips against each other. Come up with new ideas.
The majority of these comments are not useful. They will bear no fruits Some of you must learn to comment respectfully and make sensible comments. You are always throwing words. How can anyone read your comments through and through?
“Mama look a BOOBOO dey.”
“Shut U mout, go A-way, mama look a BOOBOO dey,
Then how do you explain the Panama Papers where the Government of Dominica was listed as a shareholder? I guess it’s “Sousay Sel” for the former good name of Dominica.
Titiwi, I have every respect for you my man we are not on the same side but that’s OK.
Viewsexpressed, I am in the UK talking to you right now don’t you give me all that bobohaha I have no time for you please go away.
The supporters of the UWP are laughable it’s like throwing pearls before swines they will just trample over it. They can’t see the wood for the tress
Patricia is wearing the pearls, she is famous for that. Who are the swine?
Isn\’t it amazing how some of our politicians and leaders are hypocritical in their deeds and utterances? Our dear adopted Baroness who only seemed to remember her place of birth when it became convenient to further her ambitions ……….. Fellow Dominicans after you’re done reading this article on how your new esteemed Commonwealth Secretary General will be leading the fight against corruption, please open the attached link and see the reported actions of the \”Suce Cel\” Baroness:
http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-British-newspaper-links-Dominica-baroness-to-%27vile-despots%27-30085.html
When you return from reading the information from that link, take some time to ponder on the reality of politics and people in leadership positions. WILL YOU CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THESE MEN AND WOMEN BLINDLY? Actions speak louder than words!
As i have said before, the only interest baroness has is hers. Skerrit was the easiest/weakest link. All these favours and awards going around is a scratch my back i scratch yours mentality. Have nothing to do with the lives of the millions of commonwealth citizens.
Headline: “Commonwealth pledges to partner against corruption at London Summit”
Baroness Scotland, you wanna address corruption..? You are well advised to partner with the Leader of the Opposition in Dominica, Hon. Lennox Linton, and his credible UWP team who has investigated endless corrupt practices …for the past ten years now. YOu must have heard of the passport scam, the Bin bobol.
Partner with Freedom Party, with a good governance track record and advocates of good government to stop the prostitution, adverse lies and betrayal
If you are unable to, then the position you hold is not common and there is no wealth of determination in your effort to stamp out corruption in government within the Commonwealth when you appear to condone or be ignorant or in denial as to the level of practiced corrupt, bobol,
I hope she will open her eyes in the right direction which is Dominica.
Excuse me
You people are always flapping your jaws about corruption in Dominica.
Whatever corruption exists in your country is exactly what you made it.
A democratic nation gets the government it deserves.
You and you alone voted your P.M. and his government into office. If the government is corrupt when did you find out
Are you saying you did not know the government lacked integrity before the last election 
You returned the present government to power when you could have ousted it. How many times have you returned it to power 
Even while you are casting your ballot you are running off at the mouth about how corrupt your choice is.
And you can’t wait until next time to do it again.
If the majority did not like the P.M. and his government this government would obviously not be in power.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Tickle us Patsy! UNDER OUR ARMS THEN UNDER OUR PLAT PIE.
Dear Baroness
My name is Dominica, I am supposed to be a Democratic Society entrusted with peaceful and hard-working people. Just recently, I was unfortunately struck by an inevitable water storm which damaged most of my infrastructure.
I understand that many of my affiliated brother and sister islands donated to my redevelopment in order that I may return to somewhat of my original state before I was tortured by the raging river waters that washed away most of my substance. I felt drained, although I was able to suck in a majority of the moisture.
Presently, I do not know what has happened to the donations, and it is being rumored that some of it is being given back to the donating countries probably with a kick back to someone’s benefit.
This is the underlying basis of the Summit in London, corruption, I am told.
Someone’s responsible for the contracts and if they do attend the Summit, please make the authorities arrest them before they return.
Sincerely…
Dominica:
Do you have a reason to suspect the donations were misappropriated?
If not you should never raise such a doubt in the minds of the people.
If so you should politely ask how the donations were used.
Do you even know who to ask? A democracy is government OF the people BY the people FOR the people. What have you been doing besides shooting yourself in the foot by raising suspicions about the very government you put in power
We ask to tackle corruption well we are here now head on. From the beginning, a child does not know who his father is, he only knows who brought him up. Governments are grown up people, who is employed and have a job to do. Did you parents face up to your responsibilities. DID YOU HAD TO TELL LIES TO YOUR children. over five thousands don’t have an identity, it is not government faults. reading comments as though government new and do nothing about it. the corruptions started with you.
This WOMAN, Baroness Scotland, the people have no confidence in her. we just cannot trust her regardless of her fine speeches and flowery words.
Madam, is your name on the panama papers in any way, shape, or form ? If no, then continue to talk. However, if the correct answer is yes, you need to s…up!
Stuppesssssssssssssssss!!!Well Commonwealth countries will SOUCAY SEL before they see corruption addressed in their countries..If you are serious,I would like to see you start addressing corruption in Dominica first,which should be the single most corrupt country in the Commonwealth.Each
The woman’s voice sounds so base. I wonder what is affecting her throat. What 14 yr old grain of salt is she sucking. Indescent assault and corruption is rampant in Dominica and highest in the Caribbean but she settled for that when she was in Da. What a ting!
Damn Right….Damn True….These people talk one thing and practice and support other nonsense. Some people have te audacity to talk of political morality while they engage in sucking salt….just not good for the mouth…bitter sweet hypocrisy.
The Baroness could not be serious when she pledged to fight corruption. When she visited Dominica and told Dominicans to Sue sa cel, does she believe Dominicans hated Skeritt and was jealous of him because he resided in an alleged $1.2 million house or because he is from V.C. Baroness, the dislike for Skeritt is because for approximately sixteen years he has been carrying a large bag of corruption. Baroness, their has been several allegations surrounding the man from ownership of Villas, bin booball, an expensive car valued approximately $400,000 to supervision of the sale of passports. He has never addressed several of these allegations. Dominicans have been on their knees for answers. If you are serious about your pledge to fight corruption, join Skeritt in a national press conference and allow him to answer questions about the many allegations. Until such time, your pledge is for yourself and trying to impress the rest of the Commonwealth Nations not Dominica
Baronness just gone wild, bare face, she stinks of hypocracy. Look foolishness. Why is Dominica in so much mess with messy people. Barones needs to examine herself before making these long speeches. She gave us tons of salt to suck because we were concerned about corruption. At least take one grain of the tons of salt she gave us, if she is really worth a grain of all her salt, give us the benefit of the doubt if you really truly against corruption, Baronness. We are not taking your speech with any seriousness.
The hollow sound of this empty rhetoric is enough to make one either laugh or cry .
Oh look, the sousay sel lady. I have no respect for her just because of the popishow she put on last year. Even taking sides and telling D/cans to suck salt.
That lady have more guts than cast guts
If you were not so damn corrupt, you would not have haired an illegal immigrant to work for you in England.
You were convicted and find for your crime, so who the hell are you, heal thyself doctor, heal your illnesses,
Really? I guess that they need to start with the heads of all the major corporations, church heads and lead government officials all oer the world and that includes the banking network. Good luck on that. All rhetoric. They pay your salary.
There are allegations that Madam Scotland introduced the disgraced former Nigerian Oil Minister, Ms. Diezani Alison-Madueket to PM Skeritt while he was in London and this lead her to getting a Dominican passport in very quick time. Can Madam Scotland or the PM’s office shed light on this? oThat is the anti –corruption I am talking about.
Andy, is this one of Q95 and Linton spin?
Weemama. wake up, smell the rotten salt. It is the reality that some like to hide behind a defence of political and financial corruption of poor states like Dominica. How on earth can this Baroness champion corruption when Dominica is not asked to account for its numerous accusations?
History has shown us that these political heads of state are protected by blind supporters while the poor continue to live in poverty waving dangerous Red Flags. This is Abuse
@ weemama:
You may be interested in this article about Madam Scotland and Mr. Skerrit. Please see link.
Thanks
http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-British-newspaper-links-Dominica-baroness-to-%27vile-despots%27-30085.html
Weemama, I would nnot dismiss this out of hand. Last year Patrica Scotland was invited to join the boardof Cherie Blair’s ( wife of ex British P.M,. Tony Blair) strategic consulting firm Omnia Strategies in London, where she is a close colleague of Aliko Dangote, a Nigerian citizen and chairman & owner of the Dangote Group of companies. He is reported to be the wealthiest man, not only in Nigeria but the whole of Africa. with a reported fortune of U.S.$.25 billion in 2014. Nigeria is not exactly known fro tyis freedom of corruption! Don’t underestimate the Baroness’ connection and her love of the good life and power. It is she that uses Roosevelt Skerrit and not the other way around.
She makes a big speech in London on corruption but when she is in Dominica she hangs out ………………….. Talking about hypocrisy!
Andy pandy pudding and pie, i can tell you that story your hell master Linton told you guys was all crap the way he said it, For a start Barroness Scotland was not fined for anything other wise she would not have got the job she is in today England is not a tinpot country any way like it or not tough
woman , you lie…………….. ………………,so stop trying to fool people because ,not all donkeys are asses
Great!!
when we talking corruption in Dominica we have never ever heard your voice!!!!
you can go take care of other people business!!!!
leave us alone please!!!!
i am not going to waste my time to read de article.
disgusted!!!!!!!
These ppl only trying to fool some people who lack good reason and sense…
Why isn’t she bringing onto the table the two term time limits for elected heads in the Commonwealth for healthy rotation and also to at least attempt to stem the flow of one person getting too excited with staying in power for 2050…
that’s why i will always chant down these highly hypocritical folks..
Woodants that name is just for you, this is not for Barroness Scotland to say or do, all over the carriddean it is the same so why should it be different for Dominica, come on children stop crying it’s only politics get a life stupid.
Your life may be one representing a weeemmmmma on the loose. Open your eyes. It is the Prime Minister of Great Britain whop has called for this important meeting on Corruption. Alleged corrupt leaders from the Caribbean should be there too….Look at the state of Haiti, Dominica etc….. The Baroness now heading this Commonwealth organisation should be first championing for decency in government like Dominica, rather than rubbing corrupt shoulders.
It is not for her to get involved in nations internal politics but she can get the conversation going which might influence change, If she really is interested in fighting corruption.
I respectfully disagree with you, term limits is the key to maintaining
A democratic society, and limit corruption.
When any one is in power for to long they most likely will abuse thier authorities.
Not only term but the systems by which folks are place in authority needs refining.
Exp- some should be hire base on experience and not by party affiliation.
You can not make some one education minister if he or she has no experience.
Obviously if the government giving me $50 per week then I will forever against term limits. But I will remain poor.
What are my options then give someone else a chance and maybe they can create employment and I will earn more or stay poor collecting $50 from government
Nac Vibes,Barroness Scotland is new in the job give her time and your dreams may come true for you and for me.
Did Patricia give up her employment with govt. of the Cayman islands, a tax haven, when she assumed her post as Secretary General of the Commonwealth?
Dominican above, Are you stupid or just having a laugh the UK is not like Dominica where you guys do and say as you like it is not my friend.
Thank God the U.K. is not like Dominica. It has regular meetings of the House of Commons, a weekly P.M.’s question time with sometimes raucous, but always lively and robust debates that are not stifled by frequent interruptions of a Speaker with accusations of impugning improper motives.The P.M. is always held to account in public. It also has a free press, part of which is the wonderful satirical, and irreverent magazine, Private Eye that lampoons those that think too highly of themselves and are self serving. It regularly gets sued for slander in the process and stoically accepts it as a badge of honour, a price to be paid for pushing the envelope of civil liberties but the government would no less dream of clipping its wings or shutting it down than banning fish and chips. We could do worse than emulating the governance of the old mother country.
What are you talking about Fly. YOu should come to the UK as there are many talk show programmes, media professionals, investigative journalists like Hon Lennox Linton on the backs of government daily on the radio, TV, newspaper, social media policy, its implementation and holding them to account for what they do. They cannot run away as once you are caught its either yo resign or you go to prison. Some Dominicans, like some flies and biting disease running mosquitoes (Zika???) promote and support this corrupt Skerrit lead government.
What a joke, Lady, you are a part of the corruption, lets start with you resignation
She is not going to give up a good paying position to please people who don’t know the difference anyway. If the people who put her in power either understood the issues or cared (I wonder which it is?) she wouldn’t have the job.
There are people who make things happen.
There are people who watch things happen.
There are people who ask “What happened?”
It is the latter that find out there is corruption. Then they ask “What is that?”
A nation with enough of these people is soon overtaken.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Please – right message wrong messenger….
This must be a joke…. Corruption high on her list… Hahaha… She needs to start with the government who put her there… But again, she cant bite de hand…. Lol…
Unbelievable
De hand alone ?