For the second year in a row, Jamaica has maintained its position on the 2023 Corruption Perception Index (CPI), holding the 69th spot out of 180 countries.
Transparency International released the 2023 CPI on January 30, which evaluates countries and territories based on their perceived levels of public-sector corruption, ranging from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
According to Transparency International, more than two-thirds of countries score below 50 out of 100, indicating a significant corruption challenge in some nations. The global average remains at 43, and many countries have shown little progress or even declined over the past decade. Notably, 23 countries achieved their lowest scores this year.
The data sources used to compile the CPI specifically cover instances of public sector corruption including mismanagement of public sector funds, bribery, officials using their public office for private gain without facing consequences, and more.
Jamaica falls into the category of countries scoring below 50, securing a score of 44, highlighting the persistence of corruption challenges in the region.
Corruption in the Caribbean
In the Caribbean region, Barbados improved its ranking, moving to the 24th position from last year’s 29th, with a score of 69. The Bahamas maintained its 29th position, scoring 30, while Saint Vincent and the Grenadines moved up one place to 35th with a score of 60. Dominica climbed three positions to 42, scoring 56 points. Saint Lucia retained its 45th position with a score of 55, and Grenada rose to the 49th position with a score of 53.
However, Cuba’s ranking dropped to 76th from 65th last year, with a score of 42. Trinidad and Tobago moved up one position to 76 with a score of 42, Guyana fell two positions to 87 with a score of 40, and the Dominican Republic rose 15 positions to 108th with a score of 35.
Haiti, grappling with conflicts, slid one position to 172 compared to the previous year, scoring 17 points.
In the Caribbean and Latin America, Transparency International emphasized the lack of independence and transparency in the judiciary, fostering corruption and the undue influence of political and economic elites.
Least corrupt countries
Denmark secured the top spot on the global index for the second consecutive year with a score of 90, followed by Finland with 87, New Zealand with 85, Norway with 84, and Singapore with 83.
Francois Valerian, Chair of Transparency International, emphasized the need for justice systems to punish criminals, stating that corruption will persist unless leaders invest in and ensure the independence of institutions upholding the law. Valerian urged an end to impunity for corruption to safeguard the well-being of democracies.
Read: Barbados tops CARICOM countries in latest corruption perceptions index
