(Jamaica Observer) Corporate social responsibility (CSR) plays as much a role in driving economic development and growth as do successful business ventures says the Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica.
As the country seeks to position itself for economic stability and growth with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement, local businesses and politicians are being reminded that economic growth also hinges on transparency and integrity.
The discussions on the synergy between good governance and development hosted by the Canadian High Commission also emphasised the media’s role in “keeping the feet of business leaders and politicians to the fire” though investigative journalistic pieces.
“Good business is good for business,” said His Excellency Robert Ready.
Private Sector Organisa-tion of Jamaica (PSOJ) President, Christopher Zacca urged businesses to do their part in fighting corruption.
“We must shun corrupt bureaucrats and politicians and not encourage or participate in corrupt practices,” he said.
The PSOJ president further urged local businesses to reject corrupt foreign investors and refrain from funding political candidates that are known or suspected to be corrupt.
While noting that corruption is not just a moral issue but also an economic one, minister with portfolio responsibility for information, Sandrea Falconer, urged the media to shine the spotlight on good corporate citizens.
“Media must be vigilant about any practice which corrodes competitiveness and democratic flourishing,” she said.
Zacca was however quick to remind the forum of the urgent need for “Govern-ment to rid the nation of this stifling bureaucracy which creates the avenue for bribery and corruption”.
He said local businesses must also “do more to employ groups such as recent high school and university graduates”.
“Companies have a special responsibility to the communities in which they are located,” he said. “Strategic involvement in these communities will help to steer our youth on the right path and help the wider society to prosper, grow and do well.”
