Jamaica Condemned by Global Corruption Index Again

For the second consecutive year, Jamaica has maintained its dismal ranking on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI), a global assessment of public sector corruption. According to Transparency International’s 2023 CPI report, released earlier this month, Jamaica scored 44 out of 100, placing it at number 69 among 180 countries.

Corruption Perception Index Methodology

The index evaluates countries based on their perceived levels of public sector corruption, with scores ranging from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). The global average remains stagnant at 43, indicating a significant corruption challenge in many nations. Notably, over two-thirds of countries scored below 50 out of 100.

Regional Performance

In the Caribbean, Barbados showed improvement, moving up five spots to number 24 with a score of 69. The Bahamas maintained its ranking at 29th, scoring 30, while Saint Vincent and the Grenadines rose one position to 35th with a score of 60.

However, Cuba’s ranking dropped to 76th from 65th last year, with a score of 42. Trinidad and Tobago moved up one position to 76th with a score of 42, while Guyana fell two spots to 87th with a score of 40.

Haiti, grappling with political instability and conflicts, slid one spot to number 172, scoring just 17 points.

Challenges and Recommendations

Transparency International emphasized the lack of independence and transparency in the judiciary in the Caribbean and Latin America, citing this as a major contributor to corruption and undue influence by political and economic elites.

The organization’s Chair, Francois Valerian, called for justice systems to punish criminals and for leaders to invest in and ensure the independence of institutions upholding the law. He urged an end to impunity for corruption to safeguard the well-being of democracies.

Global Rankings

Denmark secured the top spot on the global index for the second consecutive year with a score of 90, followed by Finland, New Zealand, Norway, and Singapore.

This dismal ranking serves as a reminder that Jamaica still has a long way to go in addressing its corruption challenges. It is crucial that the government takes concrete steps to address these issues and ensure transparency and accountability in public institutions.