Transparency International (TI) yesterday released its Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Report for 2021 which found that Guyana dropped two points to a score of 39 and a ranking of 87 out of 180 countries. This latest score strikes a major blow at efforts by the David Granger led APNU+AFC Government’s efforts to bring an end to corruption in Guyana by practicing good governance and transparency while in office.
In 2018, Guyana rose three points in TI’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Report, registering its best score ever and was once again listed among 22 countries which have significantly improved their standing in the last eight years. The Stabroek News had reported. Guyana achieved its best scored of 40 points in 2018, two points above its then best score of 38 with a ranking of 91.
The Minister within the Office of President with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh is set to present to the Parliament of Guyana today, the largest Budget in the history of Guyana. It will also be the first to include monies gained from the sale of oil. Guyanese are however fearful of their future and that of their families under a Irfaan Ali led oil rich Guyana.
Only recently scores of Guyanese protested the President’s handling of the oil contract and the controversial Natural Resources Fund Bill, were arrested by the police and thrown in jail on allegation of it being an “illegal precession.” Fueling more fears of another creeping dictatorship regime in South America. Since being installed into Government in 2020, the Irfaan Ali led administration has shown a lack of tolerance for the Opposition and dissenting voices.
Recently, eight Opposition Members of Parliament had charges brought against them by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Gail Teixeira. She wants the elected MPs suspended from Parliament for what she terms “disorderly conduct.”
Indeed, this latest TI report encapsulates the deterioration of Guyana’s democratic institutions under the Ali led PPPC Government. The 2018 score was the best as in 2017, it had notched up a score of 34. For 2015, Guyana was ranked 119 with a score of 29 while in 2014, 2013 and 2012 it scored 30, 27 and 28 respectively. This placed it in the category of corrupt countries.
More, In The Ring.
