March 5, 2021
Pohnpei In late February, United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken announced a new International Anticorruption Champions Award. One of the twelve awardees is Ms. Sophia Pretrick, Investigative Advisor for the Compliance Investigation Division of the Pohnpei State Auditor of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Ms. Pretrick almost single-handedly raised the profile of anticorruption activities in the FSM through her unique blend of government intervention and grassroots advocacy. One of the recent highlights of her years of service was a partnership between her office and the Pohnpei office of Youth-4-Change, a local NGO that addresses health, teen pregnancy, and anticorruption concerns. Youth-4-Change wrote and performed a pop song that has been played on local radio for over 18 months and reached thousands of youth with its message about the role each person plays in fighting corruption.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto (Photo from Vico Sotto’s official Facebook page)
“If we want better long-term governance, we need to fight corruption. We have to denormalize it, get it out of our culture,” Sotto said in his official Twitter account.
The US State Department hailed the young mayor for prioritizing anti-corruption and transparency initiatives in the City of Pasig.
Sotto expressed gratitude to the US State Department for the recognition.
“But more than the recognition, I hope this helps raise awareness,” the mayor said.
The International Anti-corruption Champions Award of the US State Department, which seeks to recognize individuals who have demonstrated leadership, courage, and impact in preventing, exposing, and combating corruption, described Sotto as a “standard-bearer for a new generation of Philippine politicians.”
U.S. Embassy Freetown: Sierra Leone Telegraph: 23 February 2021:
Chargé d’Affairs at U.S. Embassy Freetown, Elaine M French, has presented Francis Ben Kaifala with the Department of State International Anti-Corruption Champions Award. Mr. Kaifala was honored for his leadership as the Commissioner of Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission, which has enhanced efforts to fight corruption in Sierra Leone, including the strengthening of anti-corruption laws and working to hold public officials accountable for corrupt acts.
Mr. Kaifala
(Photo left – receivng award) was one of 12 Anti-Corruption Champions from different countries recognized by United States Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, for changing the world for the better through their work to combat corruption and fight for transparency and accountability.