Transparency International New Zealand Engagement with CLCT Integrity Fiji through NZMFAT Funding

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZMFAT) is providing funding to CLCT (Civic Leaders for Clean Transactions) – Integrity Fiji to develop civil society engagement in the areas of Integrity, Transparency, Accountability and the general anti-corruption space.

The funding is being made available through Transparency International New Zealand. As part of the partnership, 3 TINZ consultants (Debbie Gee, Suzanne Snively and Claire Johnston) will help set up a strong organizational governance framework. In addition, they will help develop policies on Communication, Finance, and a 3-year Strategic Plan.

CLCT-IF is currently housed at 8 Desvouex Road.

Sakeo Moce, the Board Secretary-Treasurer explains that apart from setting up an office during the Interim Period of July-Dec 2019, CLCT-IF is working with partners to develop proactive governance programs.

One such constructive discussion is taking place with the Fiji National Sports Commission. It is expected that CLCT-IF may sponsor a consultation workshop on sports governance in November 2019 with representative of sporting bodies (with oversight from FNSC.)

CLCT IF also actively engages with young people through its YOUTHS FOR INTEGRITY program. 

YFI leaders pictured with Debbie Gee.

It is expected that various creative methods of spreading anti-corruption messages through social media and the public will be undertaken by YFI. This will take the form of Flash Mobs, YouTube films, Poetry Slam Concerts, Art Works and Rap Music, to name a few.

People interested in the work of CLCT IF can write to joseph.veramu@outlook.com or drop into our 8 Desvouex Road Office.

TINZ facilitates stakeholder engagement for CLCT Integrity Fiji

Debbie Gee: TINZ Member with Delegated Authority for Whistleblowing, Affiliations, and OPG

Anti-corruption non government organisations like ‘Civic Leaders for Clean Transactions Integrity Fiji’ (CLCT Integrity Fiji) need proactive engagement and communication strategies to spread the message of integrity, transparency and accountability. This was one of the key messages presented by Debbie Gee of Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) while facilitating a one day workshop in Suva City, Fiji, on 10 August 2019.

Debbie worked with CLCT Integrity Fiji to develop their stakeholder engagement and communications strategies. These are focussed on building relationships with potential partners and collaborators, and enhancing effective methods for reaching out to the public. Her work in Fiji focussed primarily on advancing Objective 6 of CLCT Integrity Fiji’s business plan: Combat Corruption through building relationships.

A TINZ Member with Delegated Authority, Debbie has a background in strategic engagement and communications. Her training visit to CLCT Integrity Fiji was made possible through a generous grant from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and facilitated by TINZ.

Debbie worked with Board members, staff and volunteers of CLCT Integrity Fiji to discuss strategies for identifying and building key relationships and skills for using mainstream media such as print, radio and television, and to educate and inform the public on anti corruption issues. Social media was also an important strategic tool for disseminating information to the Fijian public.

While in Fiji, Debbie met CLCT Integrity Fiji’s Board and its youth wing, ‘Youths for Integrity’. A very constructive meeting was also held with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) at which they indicated their willingness to work on anti-corruption initiatives, with CLCT Integrity Fiji and TINZ. They offered to provide resources and deliver training free of charge.

“We very much appreciated Debbie Gee’s contributions to strengthening the work of CLCT Integrity Fiji in the anti corruption space in Fiji,” said Joeli Bili, the Acting Chairperson. https://www.transparency.org.nz/newsletter/transparency-times-september-2019/#tinz-facilitates-communications-strategies-integrity-fiji

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TINZ support appreciated in Fiji anti-corruption work

From 7-11 June, the Chairperson of Integrity Fiji, Dr Joseph Veramu, hosted a visit by Transparency International. The global body was represented by Melbourne-based, Mr Daniel Webb, the Coordinator for Pacific Chapters, and Mr Alejandro Salas from the Berlin Head Office.

They attended meetings with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Fijian Parliament Public Education Section and the Supervisor of Elections. These are some of the agencies that Integrity Fiji has worked closely with over the last 3 years.

In his meeting with Mr Webb and Mr Salas, Dr Joseph Veramu acknowledged the affirming and constructive assistance provided by Transparency International New Zealand (TINZ) in facilitating advice and support in their governance and anti-corruption work. The Board of Integrity Fiji, which works closely with Transparency International, was also thankful for the support provided by TINZ in the February Wellington visioning meeting where Pacific TI Chapters met to progress their anti-corruption activities.

“We also appreciate it that when we want advice on our anti-corruption work, we can chat or email our TINZ partners and are provided proactive responses to help us with our anti-corruption work in Fiji”, Dr Veramu said. https://www.transparency.org.nz/newsletter/transparency-times-july-2019/