Global corruption is estimated to cost countries between 2–5% of GDP globally. For Caribbean nations, this could translate to as much as $1.5–$4 billion USD per year in lost funds.
United front at St Lucia anti-corruption conference
That’s why Commonwealth countries, with the support of the Commonwealth Secretariat, are continuing to tackle the scourge of corruption. That commitment was unanimous among more than 100 representatives of governments and organisations attending the 11th Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies in St Lucia earlier this month.
In opening the conference on behalf of the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Hon Philip J. Pierre, the country’s Cabinet Secretary, Agosta Degazon, emphasised the need to implement international treaties, establish integrity commissions, and for a cultural shift towards integrity. He highlighted the technical work of the Commonwealth Secretariat on good governance, justice, and the rule of law.
Sharing regional solutions and global best practice
Collaboration was on full display at the conference, with governments sharing ideas on international best practices, leadership transformation, technology in anti-corruption efforts, asset declaration, and the proposed International Anti-Corruption Court.
However, there has also been considerable progress in recent years to tackle systemic anti-corruption. This includes heads of anti-corruption agencies in the Caribbean endorsing measures to strengthen collaboration, improve integrity commissions, and enhance preventative mechanisms as part of the Commonwealth Caribbean Anti-Corruption Initiatives.
The United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) Implementation has also pointed to several Caribbean nations, including Commonwealth countries, launching a regional platform to fast-track the implementation of UNCAC, focusing on legal frameworks, transparency in public procurement, whistleblower protection, and prosecution of corruption.
Combatting corruption to safeguard development
When implemented, these initiatives aim to create stronger legal and institutional frameworks, promote transparency, and encourage regional cooperation in tackling corruption. Failure to do so will continue to take a significant economic toll on economies.
Image
Dr Roger Koranteng, Head of Public Sector Governance at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said:
“Corruption is not just an ethical lapse—it is an economic burden, a social injustice, and a barrier to sustainable development. It erodes trust in institutions, weakens economic opportunities, and disproportionately affects the most vulnerable among us. When corruption thrives, democracy suffers, investments dwindle, and communities lose faith in the systems meant to protect and uplift them.”
Dr Koranteng added:
“We must strengthen institutions that uphold justice, educate our youth on ethical leadership, and foster policies that deter wrongdoing. Most importantly, we must cultivate a culture where integrity is not just expected but demanded. Together, we can set a standard that inspires trust and confidence, ensuring that the Commonwealth Caribbean is a beacon of fairness and progress.”
Transparency gains reflect regional progress
Also addressing the conference was the Commonwealth Assistant Secretary-General, Dr Luis Franceschi, who focused on the democratic benefits of tackling anti-corruption and encouraged those gathered to build on their successful efforts to date.
Dr Franceschi said:
“I am truly proud to highlight that the Corruption Perception Index across the Commonwealth Caribbean continues to reflect a steady and encouraging rise in transparency, integrity, and public accountability. This positive trend is no coincidence—it is the direct result of the tireless efforts, principled leadership, and unwavering commitment of many of you present in this very room. Your dedication is not only reshaping institutions but inspiring a new standard of governance across our region.”
Image
Read more
The Commonwealth helps governments, judges, the police and other public institutions tackle systemic corruption by sharing best practices, training and policy research.
Read more about our work to tackle corruption
Media contact
-
Ben Maloney Senior Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
