Page 9 - IB February 2025

We Say

IT’S TIME TO STOP THE ROT

Five years ago, Pacific leaders recognised the worrying alliances in this liquid continent, opportunities for back-hand
levels of corruption which existed throughout the region. deals abound.
To manifest their concern, the Teieniwa Vision was signed As if the threat of climate change is not enough, the Pacific
as a commitment towards rooting out systemic corruption is now a focal point for geopolitical tensions between China
in business, politics and—in some cases—the church and law and Australia, as the proxy for the United States and the
enforcement agencies. United Kingdom.
Named for the i-Kiribati terms for canoe and sail, the This latent hostility has given rise to a a steady influx
Teieniwa Vision recognised the treacherous waters through of economic, military or financial incentives to support
which island nations must navigate the rising corrupt development and climate goals in countries with weak
practices sweeping through the Pacific. governance systems which some donors overlook.
Leaders agreed that corruption is the enemy of progress, Their investments, therefore, are exposed to extreme risk
growth and economic development, that it undermines of corruption.
democracy and the rule of law, and encourages the And, when cash-flush foreign interests meet struggling
emergence of criminal ecosystems. Pacific economies run by politicians of questionable integrity,
It is important to note that as foreign countries struggle to all the elements of a perfect corruption storm are in place.
maintain their grip over the region or attempt to forge new The increased trafficking, manufacturing, sale, and use of

Islands Business, February 2025 9