TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL, a global anti-corruption watchdog, says Jamaica is facing a clear and present danger of succumbing to what it calls 'state capture'.

The term is used to describe a situation where powerful individuals, institutions, companies or groups within or outside a state use corruption to shape a nation's policies, legal environment and economy to benefit their own private interests.

The Gleaner has reviewed a copy of Transparency International's report which was completed following its five-day visit to Jamaica in September.

While in the country, representatives from the organisation held talks with "key reformers in Jamaica" on the corruption challenges bedevilling the nation.

The extensive drug and arms trade and associated gang operations in Jamaica, which fuel corruption through bribery, extortion and payoffs were highlighted.

Additionally, the lack of transparency and accountability in the funding of political parties was another issue raised during the dialogue. It is felt that this could facilitate "peddling by elites and corrupt economic interests".

"Combined, these two conditions suggest a clear and present danger of state capture in the country," the group said.

Investment affected

It also argued that the extra burden of paying bribes, which amounted to a "corruption tax", affected major investment and hindered economic development.

Transparency International was invited by Professor Trevor Munroe, director of the National Integrity Action Forum (NIAF), a body established to bring together leaders from the public and private sectors and civil society to play their part in the fight against corruption.

Just last month, the global anti-corruption body gave Jamaica another low ranking in its corruption index, for a third consecutive year.

The anti-corruption organisation ranks countries based on the degree to which corruption is perceived to exist among politicians and public officials.

Jamaica scored 3.1 out of a possible 10, to rank 99th out of 180 countries. However, Transparency International said despite the difficulties, there were several factors that encouraged sustainable anti-corruption efforts in Jamaica.

"The political will and public support that the NIAF has generated bodes well for a civil society 'spin-off' that capitalises on those trends," the group said in its report.

edmond.campbell@gleanerjm.com