Dear Editor,
Despite what former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds wrote about the absence of corruption in agencies which fell under his former portfolio, and which was published in your March 31 edition, the economic hardship, institutional weaknesses, criminal justice inefficiencies as well as ethnic fractures in this country did provide fertile ground for corruption during the last administration. It was not only subtle, but palpable in several instances.
Despite the fact there is little data and research available on this country’s state of governance or on corruption, many major government and non-government indicators suggest that there were perceived high levels of corruption in this country, both bureaucratic and political. The scale of the informal and illegal economy was particularly notable, as it had bred criminal activities such as drug and human trafficking and illegal logging.
Despite the laws and institutions established to tackle corruption, there were major implementation challenges due to a lack of capacity, resources and trained staff. There was also little evidence of a strong political will to effectively tackle corruption.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
