TTTI elects new directors

TTTI Secretary Boyd Reid reported to the meeting that the main anti-corruption efforts of the Institute were in public procurement reform, public education and private sector corruption prevention.

By these efforts TTTI has tried to improve not just the systems that discourage public officials from demanding or accepting bribes but also those that deter people in the private sector from offering them.

“One hand can’t clap,” says Chairman Reginald Dumas. “If you want to reduce corruption you must tackle both hands. Not just the one that receives the bribe but the one that gives it too.”

In public procurement reform, the Institute has helped develop Government’s new policy and draft legislation. It has also been training public officials in procurement ethics.

In public education, thirteen media releases, several radio and TV appearances, a newsletter and regular e-mail communications have all helped raise awareness of the need to combat corruption at all levels.

For the private sector, TTTI has been working with the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce to hold a workshop in Septem-ber to help local business leaders devise ways of preventing bribe-giving and other corrupt practices within their companies.

For the next year the work of the Institute will be directed by the seven-member board elected at the AGM.

Dumas and Reid return as chairman and secretary respectively. Former treasurer, Victor Hart, is the new vice-chairman.

The new Treasurer is Wendy Kerry, representing Development Finance Limited.

Sonah Nagassar has been re-elected as a director. She is joined by two new faces: Brian Lewis and Nan Gosine-Ramgoolam.