By Mark DaCosta- The Transparency International (TI) Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Report 2025 reveals a concerning portrait of our nation’s public sector corruption, highlighting persistent issues that continue to threaten democracy and human rights in our country.
In the latest TI report, our nation has seen a slight increase in its corruption score, moving from 39 to 40. However, this marginal improvement belies a deeper crisis, as our country has been flagged for “harassment and intimidation of independent media and civil society.” Such actions not only restrict essential oversight but also undermine accountability, signalling that genuine progress remains elusive despite the government’s claims. Our position in the global ranking has dropped to 84 out of 184 nations assessed, reflecting the ongoing fight against corruption that yields scant results.
The CPI score is significant in the global context, as it reflects a broader trend within the Americas, where the average score remains stagnant at a worrying 42. The report states that “12 of the 33 countries have significantly worsened” since 2012, while only a few, including our country and the Dominican Republic, have shown notable improvement. This paints a grim picture of the region’s ongoing struggle against corruption and governmental inefficiency, which has culminated in the erosion of democratic structures and the facilitation of organised crime.
In the context of our government’s five-year tenure, while the CPI score reflects a modest improvement, the underlying conditions suggest a stark reality. Data from previous years indicates a troubling history of score fluctuations, with our nation’s positions dipping as low as 28 in 2012 and stagnating around 40 in recent years. The report reflects the reality that “state capture by economic and political elites” continues to foster misallocation of resources and enrich selected individuals through illicit means. This highlights the systemic challenges rooted firmly within the corridors of power.
Despite efforts to establish anti-corruption institutions and laws, the effectiveness of such measures remains highly questionable. The report candidly points out that “transparency and law enforcement are very low,” and increasing attacks on dissenting voices, activists, and journalists further erode public trust in the government. It has become painfully apparent that the PPP/C administration’s rhetoric regarding transparency and accountability often fails to align with their actions.
When comparing our nation’s score with regional leaders, the disparity becomes pronounced. Barbados, with a score of 68, and The Bahamas at 64, indicate a stark contrast to our situation. Not only do we lag behind these nations, but we also find ourselves outperformed by several Caribbean neighbours like Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The decline in Suriname’s score, now at 38, serves only to emphasise how critical improving our nation’s standing has become, especially when juxtaposed against the backdrop of stagnation.
The TI report reiterates that corruption remains a critical challenge worldwide, with tangible impacts on citizens’ lives. Here, the consequences are evident in the deterioration of public services, the unbuilt infrastructure needed to shield our country from flooding, and the compromised security of our citizens. The reports assert that “over two thirds of countries fall below 50,” indicating serious corruption issues that most nations face, underscoring our collective responsibility to act decisively against such maladies.
A concerning trend is the diminishing global leadership in tackling corruption. Even established democracies like the United States and the United Kingdom are witnessing declines in their performance. This absence of strong leadership fosters a culture of complacency and inefficiency, as countries become increasingly reluctant to adopt meaningful reforms. According to the report, “many states are increasing restrictions on civic space,” making it perilous for citizens, NGOs, and journalists to challenge authority and hold leaders accountable.
While the world grapples with anti-government protests driven by citizens fed up with unaccountable leadership, our nation continues to navigate these turbulent waters. The call for reform has never been more urgent, as citizens demand a government that prioritises integrity, transparency, and accountable governance.
The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index Report 2025 presents a mixed bag for our nation. Although we see a slight uptick in our corruption score, the accompanying political realities paint a sobering picture of ongoing systemic issues. It is imperative for the PPP/C government to address these challenges head-on and to foster an environment where democracy thrives, corruption is actively tackled, and citizens can engage freely without fear of retribution. Only then can we hope to improve our ranking and the integrity of our public institutions, ultimately serving the best interests of all Guyanese citizens.
