Local anti-corruption organisation, Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI) has been accredited as a “National Chapter in Formation” (NCiF) to Transparency International (TI), the well-known international anti-corruption non-governmental organization which is based in Germany.
“As an NCiF, TIGI is entitled to use the TI’s name and logo if it so wishes, once it has registered them and has fulfilled all other obligations set out in the Agreement between TI and TIGI,” the local body said in a statement. “In particular, TIGI must comply with the core values and policies of TI’s Charter, TI’s Statement of Vision, Values and Guiding Principles the (Umbrella Statement); and statements that may be adopted from time to time by the Membership Com-mittee or the Board of Directors of TI,” the statement added.
TI’s annual Corruption Perceptions Index has consistently ranked Guyana as one of the most corrupt in the world.
It has National Chapters affiliated to it in many parts of the world and TIGI said that in its effort to graduate to National Chapter status within the next two years, it is committed to working diligently to promote the aims and objectives set out in the TI Charter and the Umbrella Statement. “During this period, the directors of TIGI and the Secretariat of TI will engage in a collaborative effort in which the Secretariat will keep TIGI informed of relevant developments within the TI movement and will, to the extent that resources permit, provide support, advice and guidance to TIGI on matters on which its advice is sought,” the statement said.
It noted that for its part, TIGI is required to adopt a Code of Conduct that is consistent with the Umbrella Statement, and a Conflict of Interest Policy.
“These will be binding on all office holders of TIGI. Under the terms of the accreditation, TIGI is committed to refraining from, and to ensure that its Board members, other office holders and employees do not take any action to the detriment of TI, or which brings TI into disrepute or which damages TI’s reputation,” the statement said.
“While the Directors of TIGI are excited at the accreditation and recognition by TI, they are also conscious of their responsibilities and obligations that come from this enhanced status.
They are committed to meeting these obligations and look forward to being granted National Chapter status within the next two years,” the body asserted.
TIGI acknowledged the support it has received from the Guyanese community since its formation in October 2010 as a civil society organization, consistent with the principles set out in the Inter-American Convention against Corruption and the United Nations Convention against Corruption, of which Guyana is a signatory. “As Directors, we pledge to continue the work of TIGI in service of the citizens of this country with the ultimate objective of making Guyana corruption-free,” the organisation said.
