President Irfaan Ali has criticized Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index for Guyana, disputing its methodology and suggesting potential political bias. The latest report indicated a slight decline in Guyana’s ranking, which Ali rejected, citing improvements in governance according to international feedback. The context of these statements includes ongoing corruption allegations tied to government contracts and land allocation.
President Irfaan Ali has expressed strong criticism of Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) report for Guyana. He questioned the methodology and indicated that political bias may have impacted the findings, which revealed a minor decrease in Guyana’s score from 40 in 2023 to 39 in 2024, placing the country at 92nd out of 180 nations in terms of corruption.
The Transparency International report, released recently, raised alarms about Guyana’s governance, asserting that the nation has been influenced by economic and political elites. The report alleged misappropriation of resources, illicit enrichment, and environmental crimes, noting that anti-corruption institutions exist, yet transparency and law enforcement remain weak, alongside increasing hostility towards dissenting voices and activists.
President Ali contested these claims, particularly regarding law enforcement, asserting that Guyana has the strongest enforcement in the region. He criticized the lack of transparency in the CPI reporting process, questioning the interviewees’ biases which could affect outcomes. Ali stated, “There’s a serious political bias for these… we have to bring accountability to these indicators.”
Despite the report’s conclusions, Ali maintained that Guyana is progressing in transparency and accountability, citing favorable feedback from international bodies like the IMF. The issue of corruption remains contentious, especially as Guyana’s economy benefits from oil revenue, prompting calls for enhanced transparency and strict governance to manage resources effectively.
The backdrop of this criticism includes various corruption allegations within the government, particularly regarding suspicious billion-dollar contracts involving officials’ associates and family members. The report follows a scandal linked to the misallocation of state lands, culminating in the resignation of the Central Housing and Planning Authority’s CEO, Sherwyn Greaves.
In summary, President Ali’s strong criticism of Transparency International’s corruption ranking highlights concerns over methodology and potential biases. He defends Guyana’s governance, emphasizing improvements recognized by global organizations, despite persistent allegations of corruption within the government. The situation raises ongoing debates about the need for greater transparency and accountability in resource management amidst economic growth from the oil sector.
Original Source: www.caribbeannationalweekly.com
