The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) has hailed a recent agreement aimed at supporting an anti-bribery campaign in Jamaica as a step in the right direction.

On Friday, the British High Commission and the National Integrity Action (NIA) signed a $J19.5 million agreement to support the country’s anti-corruption fight.

The United Kingdom (UK) is providing the funds to the NIA to help raise public awareness about the need for anti-bribery legislation that promotes integrity in both the public and private sectors.

It also seeks to lay the groundwork for more extensive anti-corruption work and governance research across the Caribbean.

The signing comes as the world observes International Anti-Corruption Day today.

Reacting to the signing, MOCA’s Director of Communications, Major Basil Jarrett says the anti-bribery campaign is a good move and he hopes more will be done to deal with other categories of corruption affecting the country.

Meanwhile, the NIA says the anti-bribery campaign represents the UK’s commitment to strengthening Jamaica’s democratic institutions.

It said the UK’s support for the NIA in advocating anti-bribery laws is encouraging.

The NIA notes that such legislation would promote fairness and equality by curbing cronyism and nepotism, enhance transparency in transactions and governance, and ensure proper resource allocation.

It says anti-bribery legislation will boost public trust and make Jamaica more attractive for investment and economic growth.