Corruption in Guyana worsening, Transparency International issues stark warning

By Mark DaCosta- Transparency International (TI), the globally respected watchdog on corruption, has again flagged a troubling trend in Guyana’s public sector, pointing to widespread corruption, weak institutions, and increasing repression against critics. With a low score of 39 out of 100 on TI’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI), the report paints a bleak picture for a country struggling with systemic corruption and the capture of state resources by powerful elites.

For the third consecutive year, Guyana’s score on the CPI, which assesses public sector corruption on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (clean), has failed to improve significantly. With a ranking of 92nd out of 180 countries, Guyana finds itself trailing behind regional neighbours like Barbados and Uruguay, both of which have made significant strides in curbing corruption. The report highlights how entrenched political and economic elites have continued to exploit public institutions for personal gain, fostering an environment where illicit enrichment and corruption thrive unchecked.

The TI findings underscore persistent issues that plague Guyana’s public sector, particularly in key areas such as procurement practices and contract awards. These practices have raised alarms over potential misuse of public funds and widespread nepotism. The government has been accused of favouring friends, family members, and close allies when awarding lucrative government contracts, a practice that not only undermines public trust but also robs citizens of essential services and infrastructure.

Despite the introduction of anti-corruption laws and institutions, the report indicates that transparency remains dismally low. Law enforcement and institutional accountability, vital for tackling corruption, are alarmingly ineffective. This has resulted in a climate where whistleblowers, activists, and journalists face growing threats. TI has noted a disturbing increase in “attacks on dissenting voices, activists and journalists,” with critics of the government often facing legal harassment.

As per the latest rankings, TI stated that “State capture by economic and political elites fosters misappropriation of resources, illicit enrichment and environmental crime” in Guyana. This reference points to the growing concern that those in power are using their positions to enrich themselves at the expense of public welfare. TI’s findings also point to the lack of legal protection for those who expose corruption, making it harder for ordinary citizens and civil society groups to hold the government accountable.

Recent events have added fuel to the fire, with a series of high-profile resignations and scandals within public institutions. One such case involves Sherwyn Greaves, former CEO of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, who stepped down amidst allegations concerning questionable property deals and land sales linked to his US-based real estate partners. Though Greaves denies any wrongdoing, the allegations have left a stain on the credibility of the institution he headed.

Similarly, the dismissal of Assistant Commissioner of Police, Calvin Brutus, came after a Tribunal found evidence of financial mismanagement and corruption in the police force. Brutus continues to face more than 250 criminal charges related to financial misconduct. Furthermore, the Labour Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mae Thomas, was sanctioned by the US Government for corruption. Despite this, Thomas remains on paid leave, and the government has requested more details on the matter from the US.

TI’s report also emphasises the lack of genuine efforts to address corruption within the rapidly expanding oil sector, which continues to be a source of concern.

TI’s findings call for urgent reforms. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government must strengthen its anti-corruption institutions and ensure they are properly resourced to combat public sector corruption effectively. There is also an immediate need for enhanced transparency in public procurement processes and for robust mechanisms to investigate allegations of corruption within government offices.

The government has yet to fully convince the public that it is serious about tackling corruption. While officials such as Minister Gail Teixeira have acknowledged the problem, pledging to build stronger institutions, the administration’s actions have failed to align with these assurances. The government’s resistance to calls for genuine reforms has fuelled widespread skepticism.

The time has come for the citizens of Guyana to demand accountability. The PPP government must be held responsible for its role in fostering an environment where corruption flourishes. The country’s resources, which should be used to improve the lives of all citizens, are being squandered by a few in power. It is up to the people to insist that their voices are heard, that reforms are implemented, and that corruption is eradicated once and for all.

Should the PPP regime continue to fail in addressing these concerns, it will be up to the people to take action. Guyana’s future, and the future of its citizens, depends on whether the government is willing to clean up its act and serve the people honestly and transparently. The people of Guyana must unite to ensure that corruption does not continue to erode the nation’s potential. If the government fails, it may very well be replaced — by the people, for the people.