The recently released Transparency International Corruption Perception Index report has been described as a ‘damp squib’ by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.

In the report, which was released two weeks ago, the international corruption watchdog said although Guyana has created anti-corruption institutions and laws in place, transparency and law enforcement are very low.

It also pointed to a state capture by economic and political elites fostering misappropriation of resources, illicit enrichment and environmental crime.

At his press conference yesterday, Mr. Jagdeo said the Transparency International report being critical of Guyana is nothing new. He said he has questions about The Transparency Institute of Guyana.

“I am wondering now what report they sent up and trust me , I would not put it pass them because they are hostile to the PPP to again send up a negative report, this is a group of people that are hostile to us,” Mr. Jagdeo stated.

The Vice President said the 2019 TIGI report which showed Guyana making improvements under the former government was based on false statements and declarations by the local transparency body.

He said it could also be false and misleading statements about the PPP that were dispatched to the International body.

While criticizing much of the report, Mr. Jagdeo said he welcomes the section that points to Guyana being a significant improver in the Latin America and Caribbean Region with regards to fighting corruption.

He said persons should view the report holistically before making pronouncements on the Guyana Government.

“Overall I think the report is a damp squib, and I went into it to show you that there are these NGOs the Red Threads and Human Rights bodies, the one person organizations that are linked to party, or the TIGI that historically are against the PPP, they would never show all the improvements that are done under PPP,” Mr. Jagdeo said.

Mr. Jagdeo stated that the PPP has strengthened the anti-corruption system through the Procurement Act, the  anti-money laundering law, the banking legislation and new Companies Act among others.

He said his party is not sensitive to the issues raised, but believes that many of them were misplaced

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