Accountability

Accountability.  We are looking at the problem of the lack of accountability and transparency in the government of Anguilla.  We have been doing so under the three general headings of (1) Integrity; (2) Accountability; and (3) Transparency.  We have dealt in some detail in the past several posts with the issues that arise in looking for the first element, integrity.  Next we look at the second general area, the vexed question of the lack of accountability in our public administration in Anguilla.

The insecure and the deceitful among our public servants are equally afraid of accountability.  To be accountable means that we must one day explain to someone what we did and why we did it.  A weak or corrupt public servant cannot perform that duty comfortably.  Secrecy is his preferred environment.

By contrast, the self-confident and the honest among us welcome accountability.  For one thing, mechanisms and techniques for guaranteeing accountability give us the tools to demonstrate our honesty, effectiveness and integrity.  Systems for demonstrating accountability permit us to show our honesty and efficiency, compared to the run-of-the-mill.

Some of the most effective measures that can exist in this area include: (a) the Complaints Commissioner; and (b) a functioning Public Accounts Committee.

Related posts:

Secrecy

Promises