Africa-Press – Seychelles. After three years, Seychelles’ ranking on the 2021 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) issued by Transparency International gained four more points with a score of 70 out of a possible 100.
Seychelles earned a ranking of 23rd out of a total of 180 countries surveyed, ahead of the United States and ranking first in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Launched yesterday in Berlin, the annual CPI ranks countries according to a number of criteria, its final score being an indicator of perceptions of public sector corruption in the respective country.
The Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission Seychelles, May De Silva, has expressed her satisfaction that the work the country has put into battling corruption is bearing fruit and is being recognised, warning nonetheless about complacency.
“We are grateful for the recognition of our work to battle the scourge of corruption, which will work towards improving the reputation of our country and trust in our institutions, both by our own citizens and private sector as well as international entities wishing to do business with us.
“We thank Transparency Initiatives Seychelles and our local and international partners including the European Union and the UK government for their assistance in this arduous task, and not least the citizens of this country for their support in working for a corrupt-free Seychelles,” Ms De Silva said.
The chairman of Transparency Initiatives Seychelles (TIS), Chrystold Chetty, also expressed his satisfaction with this rating.
Seychelles ranks number 1 in Sub-Saharan Africa. Seychelles’ 2021 score comes from three main sources – the Economist Intelligence Unit Country Ratings, Global Insights Country Risk Ratings and Varieties of Democracy Project. The CPI score is an indicator of perceptions of public sector corruption.
In a press statement Mr Chetty stated that “TIS is pleased to note the improvement in the country’s score. While the CPI calculation has limitations which have been well documented, it does give an indication of the health (or lack of) of good governance in the public sector. In 2018, Seychelles scored an extra five points from the previous year, which was partly a reflection of impactful anti-corruption efforts which had started in the country. Over the years, further supportive frameworks, laws and policies have enabled us to stay on track. In the past two years, Seychelles has not been spared the concerns of the Covid-19 pandemic, where accountability and transparency are concerned. Effects of the pandemic happened fast and tickled down all areas of our lives even faster.”
“We have, like many other countries battled between the need to be transparent and the urgency to make decisions to support the lives of our people. It is a predicament that is well understood but we also know that with transparency and accountability, the gains are better distributed and more impactful in both economic and social contexts. TIS will continue on insisting on transparency. It is a commitment we have made to the people of Seychelles and one we will uphold. We also take this opportunity to commend the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACCS) for the results of their investigative work over recent years. 2021 ended on a hopeful note and with an important message for the people of Seychelles – engaging in corruption does have consequences and as a nation, we should not tolerate it. 70 is the highest Seychelles has ever scored. It is not however, the best score we are capable of. With a continued commitment to combat corrupt practices and with the alignment of synergies of all those who in one way or another play a role in this endeavour, we can and should continue our uphill improvement in this global exercise. TIS’ vision is a corrupt-free Seychelles with empowered people who expect and demand transparency, accountability and good governance. We are committed to working with the government of Seychelles and all stakeholders in this process. Capacity building of all actors is of high importance in our work since positive change can only be implemented and supported by people who are willing and committed to transparency and accountability. The people of Seychelles deserve it”.
ACCS further notes that Seychelles continues to be the least corrupt country in Africa but we cannot be complacent for having the highest score of 70 out of 100 on the Index.
“The work to strengthen our laws and governance continues and we each have a responsibility to contribute to a corrupt-free society. We have an obligation towards our country to identify corruption and report it.
“Our team continues its efforts to sensitise people as to the dangers of corruption and their responsibilities, particularly in the work place and in schools. The complex work of investigating and prosecuting those involved in corruption will also continue,” Ms De Silva said.
The message from the ACCS is that if you steal from the public, you will face the consequences – “If it’s not yours, don’t take it.” Corruption is a crime. Bribery is a crime. This institution is here to stay.”
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