JCA stresses ethical leadership in combating corruption

A PROMINENT legal expert has emphasised the importance of visible and tangible ethical leadership in today’s complex business landscape. Milton Samuda, managing partner of Samuda and Johnson, attorneys-at-law, delivered the keynote message on the subject at the Jamaica Customs Agency’s (JCA) Anti-Corruption Panel Discussion and Luncheon at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on August 29.

The event focused on the theme ‘Ethical Leadership: The Impact of Cross Border Trade, Supply Chain and Trade Facilitation’. The Shipping Association of Jamaica was represented by its president, Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester.

Samuda stressed that ethical leadership cannot be merely discussed; it must be demonstrated. “Those who are led must see it in action,” he stated. “You can’t talk about it and not do it.”

His speech highlighted the intricate interplay between ethical leadership, cross-border trade, supply chain management, and trade facilitation. He highlighted that ethical leadership is not merely a personal virtue, but a cornerstone of sustainable business success. By promoting a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability, organisations can navigate the challenges of global commerce and build trust with stakeholders.

“Ethical leadership is not just about following rules and regulations,” Samuda asserted. “It is about demonstrating a genuine commitment to doing the right thing, even when it is difficult. In today’s interconnected world, ethical behavior is not only a moral imperative, but also a strategic necessity.”

Samuda said by implementing strong compliance frameworks, conducting regular audits, and promoting a culture of ethical behaviour, organisations can minimise the potential for corruption, fraud, and other unethical practices.

Moreover, he highlighted the importance of ethical leadership in facilitating trade. Transparent and efficient trade processes are essential for economic growth and development. By promoting trust and reducing corruption, ethical leadership can create a more conducive environment for businesses to operate and thrive.

“Ethical leadership is a collective responsibility,” he said, continuing that “it requires the active participation of everyone within an organisation, from top executives to frontline staff. By creating a culture of ethics, we can empower employees to speak up, report wrongdoing, and contribute to a more ethical workplace.”

Samuda also stressed the need for organisations to invest in training and development programmes that promote ethical values and principled decision-making. He underscored the importance of creating a workplace culture where employees feel safe and supported when reporting unethical behaviour.

He urged the audience to embrace ethical leadership as a fundamental principle in their professional lives. He stressed that by working together, we can build stronger, more resilient organisations that contribute positively to society.

For her part, Commissioner of Customs Velma Ricketts Walker, in her opening remarks, said the JCA has made significant strides in recent years, transitioning from being a passive participant to a leading voice in the discourse on corruption.

To improve its operations and impact, she said the JCA has instituted several mechanisms to further strengthen its modernisation and transformation agenda, adding that these efforts have focused on key areas, such as leadership and commitment, regulatory framework, transparency, automation and modernisation, and stakeholder relations.

“Integrity is a crucial part of our operations at Customs and is one of our core values. The agency has strategically sought to institutionalise how we operate, through the establishment of an Internal Affairs Division, and further buildout of this division with the introduction of an anti-corruption and integrity section,” Ricketts Walker said.

She continued, “We have undertaken far more stakeholder engagements, such as this panel discussion, to include consultations, sensitisation, outreach and other initiatives. Additionally, in keeping with the thrust to maintain integrity of the supply chain and the continued reform of other areas, such as our non-intrusive inspection and physical inspection programmes, this remains vital and critical for us, and as it relates to the expansion of our authorised economic operator programme.”

The event was wrapped up after a panel discussion by stakeholders from various bodies, including the JCA, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited, Wisynco and the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency.