April 25, 2023
So the World Justice Project released its report on corruption in the Caribbean. Of course, the Caribbean has failed miserably on whether or not we are corrupt.
But, one thing catches our mind, is that some of the parameters used to gauge corruption appear to be natural expectations of life. For example, the report measured the likelihood of corruption taking place when a public official gives a position or opportunity to a friend or family member. Fact of the matter is, all societies do this and the smaller the society, the more likely it is to take place.
So does that mean that Caribbean countries are more prone to being corrupt because of their unique position and geography? Does that make the US or Europe any better than us when they do it, or mask how they give their friends and family members opportunities? No. Of course not. So we should not be hard on Caribbean countries for their developmental uniqueness.
Issues such as bribe taking is also difficult to really assess, because when a European or US politician can go on fancy business trips and have it paid for, while now they have to account, hardly anyone bats an eyelid, but that is how deals are made- in the intimacy of these spaces where people can talk and socialize comfortably.
Caribbean leaders do the same too. They have their meet ups outside of the confines of their offices and it often times are needed to solidify partnerships or arrangements for prospective initiatives. They are not any more or less corrupt than their European or American counterparts. In fact, these meetings should be encouraged, if there is to be a successful union between government and the private sector for foreign direct investment.
At the end of the day, corruption is often times used too loosely against Caribbean countries. Sure, there must be accountability, but not at the cost of development or turning a blind eye to what has been normalized in more developed countries.
P.S.
Breaking news of renowned musician and civil rights leader, Harry Belafonte, passing on just came to us as we were publishing. It would be of great disrespect if we did not acknowledge this great man of Jamaican heritage. He was 96 years old. May his soul rest in peace.