13th December, 2018 The Ombudsman, Mr. ‘Aisea Taumoepeau, SC., and his staff observed the United Nations International Anti-corruption Day on Sunday, 9th December, together with members of the FWC of Fasimoeafi ‘a Tungi.
The UN theme of the 2018 Anti-corruption Day is: United Against Corruption For Development, Peace and Security.
The preacher, Rev. Viliami Finau of the Lotofale’ia Tongan Methodist Parish in New Zealand, made a special tribute acknowledging the importance of the theme and the works and services of the Ombudsman and his staff for the people of Tonga. He is in Tonga with some of the members of his parish and an evangelical youth group who also assisted in leading the service.
Rev. Finau highlighted the core services of the Ombudsman, the CEO Mrs. Linda Folaumoetu’i, the Director of Investigation Mrs. Lepaola Vaea and the staff, towards upholding the values of Good Governance and in effort to counter corruption.
In a special tribute to the Ombudsman and his staff, Rev. Finau stressed the rationale of establishing the works of the Office of the Ombudsman “as a source of blessings for Tonga … there’s an opportunity for people and their families who are being affected due to unruly decisions of government ministries and public enterprises …there is an office, being led by Mr. Taumoepeau, where people can complain to whenever they feel victimized … the functions of the Office of the Ombudsman are like the answer to our prayers when we ask God for forgiveness and in intervening during times of difficulty … we can do that to the Ombudsman and his staff.”
Rev. Finau then led a special prayer for the works of the Ombudsman in light of this year’s theme of the Anti-corruption Day.
The primary function of the Office of the Ombudsman is to accept complaints from the public against maladministration and services of the government ministries, departments and public enterprises.
“The Office of the Ombudsman recognizes that the occurrence of corruption will prevail in an administrative environment where opportunities exist for waste, abuse and maladministration, therefore the most effective way to prevent this is to promote an ethical environment in which internal control mechanisms should be implemented,” according to the Ombudsman, Mr. ‘Aisea Havea Taumoepeau, SC.
Mr. Taumoepeau also said that “the Office of the Ombudsman through its outreach program promoting good governance principles therefore assists in preventing corruption by advocating to public officers that they should understand the responsibilities of their positions and familiarize themselves with their laws and policies and adhering to them.”
The closing prayer of Sunday’s service marking International Anti-corruption Day was made by the Director of the Evangelical Department of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, Rev. Falematāpule Lomu.
The United Nations set the annual theme of the International Anti-corruption Day calling on all member countries, including Tonga, to highlight its importance and to inform everyone to understand the dangers of corruption.
According to the UN, “Corruption is a serious crime that can undermine social and economic development in all societies. No country, region or community is immune to this crime.”
The global campaign “Corruption: An impediment to the Sustainable Development Goals” focuses on how corruption affects education, health, justice, democracy, prosperity and development.
ENDS
Office of the Ombudsman Tonga