Saint Lucia is among the top group of Caribbean islands in the fight against corruption. Nine Commonwealth Caribbean countries got together in Saint Lucia this week on the occasion of the 11th Annual Commonwealth Caribbean Associations of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies (CCIACACB) conference.
The Conference, which is being held at The Landings Resort and Spa, scheduled for June 2nd to June 6th, aims to get pass the lip service being paid to the war on corruption.
The theme for the event is ‘Recommitting to fighting corruption effectively and sustainably in the Caribbean.’
Participants agreed that a successful fight against corruption must include all, and not just the governments of the region. Chairperson of CCAICACB, A. Anande Lady Trotman-Joseph, speaking at the opening ceremony, said while Saint Lucia’s natural beauty could be a distraction, participants of the conference must be focused and ready to discuss some uncomfortable issues.
Guest Speaker and Assistant Secretary General of the Commonwealth Professor Luis Franceschi described the participating delegates as “loudspeakers for integrity” and reminded them that democracy was dependent on good governance and governed by the rule of law. He went on to explain that their jobs were not just important; it is necessary. This comment was hinged on evidence that suggests that corruption can cost individual countries 2% of their economies which equates, in some cases, to approximately $1.5 billion annually. Professor Franceschi believes that this lost revenue can be utilized to curb social ills and remedy many infrastructure problems. He said while there has been great progress, corruption remains a dangerous problem all over the world.
Ahead of Saint Lucia (59%) is Dominica (60%), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (63%), Bahamas (65%), with Barbados leading the group with a 68% rating.
Saint Lucia moved up the ladder to be ranked 38th in the world with South Sudan at the bottom on 8% (180th).
The top country on the Corruption Perceptions Index is Denmark with a rating of 90%.