It is time that a Chief Ethics officer is appointed. I believe that a lot of “fraud” and unethical conduct happens because there is not enough awareness and/or guidance regarding the issue. Training should be given and guidelines should be clear, what is permissible and what is not, counseling given when questions arise. If as a minister you get a GOA credit card, it should come with strict guidelines. For example, under no condition can it be used for personal expenses, and if it was, by mistake, it should be clear how to report and repay it.
In the third year of my University education, we had an Ethics class taught. It was a compulsory course, because as a potential future manager, our actions would have impact, and we needed to understand the parameters. It was a real eye opener.
My university peeps were a homogenous group of students, same country, same social class, same language, same religion, and still we were astounded at the different perceptions of what is ethical and what is not.
In Aruba with diverse and far apart cultures, ETHICS must be taught from kindergarten on, so we don’t find ourselves in a situation where FOUR top birds, Ibis, Ostrich, Flamingo, and Diamond, are investigated for serious allegations. We naively assume that everyone has the same moral compass. That is not true. Constant calibration and adjustments are needed to conform and inform newcomers.
