Trinidad and Tobago’s Transparency International Hardly Transparent and Objective

Transparency International has recently released its Corruption Perception Index for 2009. Trinidad and Tobago has fallen seven places in the rankings from last year and many are sounding the alarm. As Trinidad and Tobago continues to grow as a leader of Caricom and moves to become a global contender, perception of business environment and corruption are indeed important. However, there is little cause for the alarmist reaction perpetuated by a small minority. Upon release of the perception index, Victor Hart, chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Transparency Institute (TTTI) cited their recent survey of local construction contractors to “determine the level of corruption in the construction sector”. Hart insinuated that the survey somehow weighed into Transparency International’s rankings – and of course his biased opinion did. The business climate and corruption level in Trinidad are serious issues and should not be treated as a political pawn. An objective and qualified third party seeking a holistic assessment of the nation’s position should conduct any such study or assign any ranking. The survey conducted by Trinidad and Tobago’s Transparency International’s office is hardly objective and only represents the voice of one of many parties involved. Its findings are anecdotal at best.
Specifically Transparency International assigned Trinidad and Tobago a score of 3.6 (out of 10), the same score it received last year. Surely all parties can agree that this number is unacceptably low and we should strive together, as a nation, to improve it. However, for an emerging market this figure is perfectly within reason. Take for instance the BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China), which are commonly viewed as the standard for emerging markets. Brazil and India led the pack with scores of 3.7, China tied Trinidad with 3.6 and Russia trailed with a score of 2.2.
As we seek to become global contenders it is important to foster a strong competitive environment and promote an image of transparency. However, we should not impair our image with the counterproductive rhetoric and loose words of self-interested and motivated individuals such as Victor Hart.