The Grenada Government said it is concerned about the country’s image following a recent poor rating on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) by Transparency International.
Public Utilities and Energy Minister Gregory Bowen said the 3.5 percent CPI rating could be as a result of attempts by people who are against the development of the island.
The index places Grenada at position number 66 and among the three English-speaking Caribbean countries with high levels of perceived corruption.
Guyana (121) and Trinidad and Tobago (79) are the highest on the rankings with Barbados (24) among the lowest – and least corrupt.
However, Bowen said Grenada would double efforts to change this perception.
“We’ve to look at all angles, and yes we must be very concerned because we have built the link with the law agencies throughout the developed and developing world,” Bowen said.
“So all the financial institutions must now go through the checks”.
He said Grenada is now working to reduce the number of unsuccessful deals with foreign investors and fraudsters with the Integrity in Public Life Legislation and the Prevention of Corruption Bill, now going through Parliament.
Under the Bill, investigations will be carried out into the reputation of interested investors.
“The bill will also provide for proper investigation and to put things in place to prevent people from making false accusations,” he said.
On December 7, Transparency International will launch its 2006 Global Barometer which looks at public perceptions of the level of corruption in major institutions such as courts, parliament and the police.
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