New NIA boss: ‘Stand up and be counted’
Published:Tuesday | January 13, 2026 | 12:21 AMEdmond Campbell/Senior Staff Reporter
Newly appointed Principal Director of the National Integrity Action (NIA), Dr Gavin Myers, has signalled that he intends to continue the strong advocacy of the organisation as it pushes for good governance and integrity in the public service.
Speaking with The Gleaner yesterday, Myers, whose appointment took effect on January 1 this year, argued that Jamaicans are in a participatory democracy and should make their voices heard regularly on matters affecting citizens, rather than once every five years through the ballot.
He said the voice of the NIA will not be muted when it comes to speaking on issues of national interest.
“If it is that people, whosoever they are, think that they can cow-down voices because they don’t like what is being said, it says more about them than about me, and I will be certain in my role, say how I came to an opinion, and know that this opinion is built upon facts,” Myers said.
Well-thinking Jamaicans, according to Myers, would want the NIA to ask pertinent questions as an anti-corruption organisation.
“From before slavery ended, Jamaicans that look like me and sound like me have been making sure that their voices were heard; so it would be very remiss of me not to stand up and be counted,” he said.
The freshly minted NIA boss said that since Independence, Jamaicans have not been shy to speak out against corruption and to ensure that their resources are spent in a manner that serves the people of the country well.
He said the NIA has had a long tradition of leading discussions around integrity in public office.
Describing himself as a “country boy” who attended Kingston College and Oberlin High, Myers said he was ready to take on his new mandate, even as he encourages Jamaicans to play a greater role in matters of national interest.
“All a wi can talk, all wi should talk, and all a wi should make Jamaica better,” he added.
Chairman of the NIA Dr Lynden Rose announced the appointment of Myers on Sunday. His appointment follows the recent resignation of Danielle Archer as principal director.
CREDENTIALS
Myers has a PhD in management studies from the Faculty of Business and Law, the Open University, United Kingdom (UK), and a first degree in international relations and political science from The University of the West Indies, Mona.
The NIA head has expertise in voluntary sector management, community outreach and development, and social entrepreneurship and innovation. He is a certified restorative justice facilitator, and a trainer in youth development and community research and engagement.
Myers has conducted research and led community and social projects in Jamaica, the Caribbean, and the UK. He was previously employed by NIA as a community outreach officer and an event coordinator between June 2016 and March 2020.