Vice Chairman of the Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD), Pandit Ubraj Narine, has called on the government to prioritise transparency in light of Guyana’s ranking as the most corrupt Caribbean country in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2023.
In a statement, IFAAD urged the Irfaan Ali-led PPP government to take immediate and robust measures towards fostering transparency and combating corruption within the country.
The call comes in the wake of Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2023, in which Guyana was ranked as the most corrupt country in the Caribbean region.
Transparency International, a globally recognized coalition dedicated to fighting corruption, has released its annual Corruption Perceptions Index 2023, which provides valuable insights into the state of corruption across the globe.
The recent report identified Guyana as the most corrupt nation in the Caribbean, highlighting the urgent need for the government to address this pressing issue to build public trust and confidence.
“The Institute for Action Against Discrimination acknowledges that overcoming corruption requires a strong commitment to transparency. Corruption not only erodes public trust and undermines the rule of law but also perpetuates systemic inequalities and discriminates against vulnerable groups.
“Thus, we urgently call upon President Ali and the PPP government to prioritize transparency and take tangible steps towards eradicating corruption from all levels of society, including government institutions, public services, and corporations,” Narine said.
To effectively combat corruption, the IFAAD recommends the following actions to be initiated by the government:
1. Establish an independent and empowered anti-corruption agency: A dedicated agency should be constituted with sufficient resources, autonomy, and investigatory powers to conduct comprehensive and impartial corruption investigations without fear or favor.
2. Strengthen financial regulations and increase scrutiny: The government should tighten regulations governing financial transactions, improve transparency in public procurement processes, and enhance accountability mechanisms in order to prevent illicit financial flows and promote fair competition.
3. Enhance whistleblower protection: Implement robust laws and mechanisms to safeguard whistleblowers who expose corruption, encourage reporting, and create a safe environment for individuals to come forward without fear of retaliation.
4. Promote transparency and engagement: Launch comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate citizens about their rights, the negative impacts of corruption, and the importance of their active participation in building a corruption-free society.
5. Hold those engaged in corruption accountable in a court of law
IFAAD firmly believes that transparency is the cornerstone for building a fair, just, and prosperous Guyana. By actively engaging with civil society organizations, international partners, and the public at large, the government can foster an environment that promotes integrity, accountability, and effective governance.
The Institute for Action Against Discrimination says it “stands ready to collaborate with the Ali-led PPP government, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to create a comprehensive framework for combating corruption and advancing transparency.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that present and future generations in Guyana can live in a society free from the shackles of corruption.” (WiredJA)