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St. Lucia: The Least Corrupt Actors in the Region?

Despite widespread corruption in the healthcare sector, a recent survey has revealed that St. Lucia has the least corrupt actors among all Eastern Caribbean countries.

According to the World Justice Project (WJP) General Population Poll 2022, while 20% of respondents believe most or all doctors and nurses are involved in corrupt practices, a significant portion of respondents still trust certain individuals and institutions.

Trust in People and Institutions

The poll found that St. Lucians have the highest level of trust in people living in their country, with 57% reporting having some or a lot of trust. In contrast, only 44% reported having some or a lot of trust in prosecutors.

Corruption in the Healthcare Sector

The survey highlighted areas where corruption is more prevalent, such as in the healthcare sector. However, it’s encouraging to see that despite these challenges, St. Lucians still have faith in certain individuals and institutions.

Authoritarian Behaviors

Chart 1: Perceptions of Authoritarian Behaviors

According to Chart 1, which compares perceptions of authoritarian behaviors across Eastern Caribbean countries, St. Lucia has the lowest percentage of respondents who believe that top government officials can attack electoral systems and opposition parties (12%). This suggests a strong commitment to democratic values in St. Lucia.

Chart 2: Perceptions of Authoritarian Behaviors, by Support for the Current Administration

Chart 2 shows the striking difference between supporters and non-supporters of the current administration in St. Lucia. While government supporters are more likely to believe that top government officials can attack electoral systems and opposition parties (25%), non-government supporters have a much lower percentage (5%). This highlights the importance of political polarization in shaping attitudes towards authoritarian behaviors.

Chart 3: Attitudes Towards Authoritarianism and Rule of Law

Chart 3 reveals that a significant majority of St. Lucians agree with the statement “The prime minister must respect the media, civil society, and opposition groups” (73%). This suggests a strong commitment to democratic values and the rule of law in St. Lucia.

Conclusion

While corruption remains a significant challenge in St. Lucia’s healthcare sector, the country has made progress in other areas. The high level of trust in people living in their country and the commitment to democratic values are encouraging signs for the future.

Full Report Available

For more information on the WJP General Population Poll 2022, including charts and data from all Eastern Caribbean countries, please visit our website or download the full report.