IC bolsters arsenal in corruption fight

Experienced attorney-at-law Kelly-Ann Murdock has officially been installed as the country’s chief corruption prosecutor, about four months after acting in that role at the Integrity Commission (IC).

Murdock, who is the director of corruption prosecution at the IC, has the task of prosecuting acts of corruption and related offences, including illicit enrichment, bribery, and failing to file or filing false statutory declarations.

At the same time, Sashein Wright-Chin has been appointed director of corruption prevention, stakeholder engagement and anti-corruption strategy.

Both directors took the oath of office on Wednesday during a swearing-in ceremony at King’s House, presided over by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen.

Murdock brings extensive prosecutorial experience to the job, having worked at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Jamaica, where she held the positions of legal officer to the Director of Public Prosecutions, Crown counsel and assistant director of public prosecutions. She has also served as a prosecutor in the Turks and Caicos Islands, gaining valuable regional experience.

Complex criminal matters

Over the course of her career, Murdock has handled a broad range of serious and complex criminal matters, including cases of significant public interest. She has contributed to the preparation of major prosecutions, including one of the largest gang trials in Jamaica, and has represented the Crown in appellate proceedings before the Court of Appeal in both jurisdictions.

As director of corruption prosecution, Murdock is not subject to the direction or control of any person or body in relation to the conduct of her prosecutorial functions under the Integrity Commission Act or any other legislation, with the exception of the director of public prosecutions who, under section 94 of the Constitution, has the power to initiate, authorise, take over and terminate prosecutions in all the courts in the island.

As director of corruption prevention, stakeholder engagement and anti-corruption strategy, Wright-Chin has the task of introducing effective measures for the prevention and detection of corruption within public bodies.

In this new role, she will also be required to examine the practices and procedures of public bodies and make recommendations in relation to the revision of those practices and procedures which, in the opinion of the IC, may reduce the likelihood or occurrence of acts of corruption.

Wright-Chin will also be tasked with preparing codes of conduct and other advisory material relating to corruption and guiding public bodies in respect of matters within the purview of the parent legislation, among other things.

In a news release from the anti-corruption body, the IC said these latest appointments are significant steps in strengthening the commission’s leadership team, ensuring continued dedication to its mission of promoting integrity and transparency in public life.

The IC stated that the appointees bring a wealth of experience and commitment to their roles, which it added would further enhance the commission’s capacity to effectively address corruption, protect the public interest and uphold accountability.

“The Integrity Commission looks forward to working with the new directors to advance its critical work in safeguarding integrity within the public service, and is guided by the fact that integrity is the quiet force that compels us to do what is right - even when it is inconvenient, unpopular or unseen,” the anti-corruption body stated.

editorial@gleanerjm.com