Barbados is ranked at number 20 out of 180 countries on the corruption perception index on Transparency International. Barbadians have taken some comfort in this. They should not. There is evidence everywhere that corruption is on the increase in Barbados. It is a fact that corrupt acts are fast becoming the rule and not the exception. What examples of corruption have Barbadians become aware:
1) Facilitating access to duty-free purchases for consumers who under the law are not entitled to such concessions.
2) Inability to have applications dealt with in a timely manner or at all in some Government departments without paying a sum to an identified individual.
3) The sale of licences at very high prices over and above Government prescribed licence fees.
4) Benefits for individuals based on party support alone.
5) Non-political opportunities being refused individuals that are believed to be non-supporters of the Government of the day.
6) Suppliers deliberately stifling businesses by dramatically changing credit terms.
Corruption is a cancerous growth. If it is not addressed it will eventually cripple Barbados. At the moment:
1) Corruption is being seen as normal especially amongst young people; it is being seen as a necessary part of business.
2) The cost of providing services has increased. For example most individuals know of the remarkable difference in the official Government fee for certain licences and applications and the real cost.
3) Some business professionals are seeing business fall off because some applicants have the view that they need only pay a sum to “someone” and really do not need any professional advice.
4) Some talented Barbadians have expressed the view that they might have to leave the country to make a living elsewhere.
5) Poor workmanship where jobs/contracts were not awarded on the basis of the ability to deliver a quality service.
We have seen the signs develop in other countries with disastrous consequences. Must Barbados travel the same road or can we turn back? What can we do to address this trend?
Implementing transparency, effective systems and rules are key to this effort. This is now easier because of access to computer technology. Is there any reason why all applications should not be online? Is there any reason that the treatment of every application should not be published?
We can no longer simply rely on having “good” people in key positions.
This is fast becoming a big problem, what can citizens do about it?
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