Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1269638
16.07.2020 7 INTERVIEW alike. It is a concept that needs to be built on three distinct pillars namely accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. ese have become the three critical qualities which make it possible to successfully run a compa- ny or an organisation whilst forming solid professional relationships among all stakeholders which include board directors, managers, employees, and most importantly, shareholders. It is very positive that the Malta Chamber of Commerce has endorsed this initiative.... Yes very positive. In fact Get Gover- nanz was launched following a collabo- rative Memorandum of Understanding we signed with them so that together, we can promote the values and the mission of our initiative to help Malta's businesses embrace governance and what it stands for. Together we wanted to send a collective message that Malta is willing to redress the current prob- lems in a tangible and effective manner. However, although the financial ser- vices sector is usually the one expected to show trustworthiness, transparency, and compliance, these should be val- ues embraced by all organisations and institutions and not just those in the financial services industry. All busi- ness organisations, duly elected Gov- ernments and its' agencies, authori- ties and education institutions have a responsibility to promote and commit to the practice of good governance. We want to stimulate a cultural change in mentality across the board and we are doing this by the necessary tools to implement a good governance frame- work and mitigate corruption not only to private companies but also to public institutions. Who are the main exponents of Get Governanz and what can you tell us about your courses? e team at Get Governanz is led by its CEO Terrence Norris, a sea- soned expert in audit, investigation and management consultancy servic- es to the public and private sectors, and to international organisations for over 35 years. en there is Andrew Naudi, Technology Partner at NOUV, L. Burke Files, an international finan- cial investigator and due diligence expert who has run cases in over 130 countries and Mike J. Masoud, an in- ternationally known expert in the anti-corruption field who leads the American Anti-Corruption Institute (AACI) business and initiatives in the Middle East and Africa. Our certified programmes focus on providing individuals, corporations, government and non-profit organisa- tions with contemporary knowledge and skills to mitigate risks of corrup- tion, fraud, and unethical practices, while simultaneously strengthening the elements of 'good governance'. On the other hand, our advisory servic- es focus on assisting organisations to establish 'governance' policy, proce- dures, internal controls, monitoring and reporting mechanisms as an es- sential part of their commitment to embrace business ethics, comply with local and international laws and re- spect social norms. There's a lot to work on when it comes to good governance in Malta.... Indeed. But we still see hope for this country, and we have not given up. Had we totally lost our faith in restoring this country, we would not be here still trying to make things better. But it is not enough being vociferous when our country's reputation finds itself threat- ened by corruption. At this point, we all need to ask ourselves what we are going to do about it. We now have the tools with which to work towards good governance and more transparency starting from our own companies and organisations. It is only by showing integrity and by working 'above board' that we can be effective contributors to our economy, to all our stakeholders' growth and success and ultimately, to our country's prosperity. So in the end, the principle is simple: If you are willing to compro- mise on integrity and professionalism, why should you be trusted? corporate responsibility Although the financial services sector is usually the one expected to show trustworthiness, transparency, and compliance, these should be values embraced by all organisations and institutions and not just those in the financial services industry The team behind Get Governanz: (from left) Terrence Norris, Mike J. Masoud, Andrew Naudi, L. Burke Files and Mark Aquilina