Regional Anti-Corruption Framework
Specific Anti-Corruption Laws Comparison
| Legislation | Trinidad & Tobago | Jamaica | Barbados |
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Integrity Legislation |
– Integrity In Public Life Act, 2000, provides for the establishment of the Integrity Commission, public disclosure of assets.
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– Integrity Commissions Act, 2017, to promote the ethical conduct of parliamentarians and establishes an integrity commission. The Parliament Integrity of Members Act, 1973, requires the declaration of assets by members of parliament. |
No legislation |
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Freedom of Information Legislation |
– Freedom Of Information Act, 1999, gives the general pubic the right to access official documents of public authorities.
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– The Access To Information Act, 2002, gives the general public the right to access official documents of public authorities |
No legislation |
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Anti-Corruption
Legislation
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– Prevention Of Corruption Act, 1987, provides for certain offences and punishment of corruption in public office.
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– Corruption Prevention Act, 2002, Establishes the Commission for Prevention of Corruption, criminalises acts of corruption and requires the declaration of assets from public officials.
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No legislation |
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Public Procurement Legislation
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– Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act, 2015, ensures transparency, accountability, integrity and value for money in procurement and the sale of public property.
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– The Contractor General Act, 1983, The Public Procurement Act, 2015, ensures transparency, accountability, integrity and value for money in procurement and the sale of public property.
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No legislation |
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Whistle-blowing Legislation
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No legislation |
– Protected Disclosures Act, 2011, encourages and facilitates disclosures of improper conduct in the public’s interest.
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No legislation |
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Campaign finance legislation
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– Representation of the People’s Act, 1967, sets laws which regulates the conduct of during elections. |
– Representation of People’s Act, 1944, sets laws which regulates the conduct of during elections.
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– Representation of the People’s Act, 1991, The Election Offences and Controversies Rules, 1959 sets laws which regulates the conduct of during elections.
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As illustrated above, Barbados desperately needs to strengthen its anti-corruption framework as it is shockingly behind other regional leaders. Currently, Barbados has legislation in the form of the Prevention Of Corruption Act, which can remedy many problems arising with integrity and corruption. The Prevention Of Corruption Act was passed in 2012, yet not a single line of the legislation is law since it has not been proclaimed by the Governor General. Government merely has the simple task of having the Bill proclaimed, which it should do immediately. Further, Barbados has also drafted in 2008, a Freedom Of Information Bill. Unfortunately, there has been deafening silence on any progress relating to what is a sound and uncontroversial piece of legislation. Government should recommit to their promises of passing the Freedom of Information Bill, as much of the groundwork has already been accomplished, the time for action is now. Solidifying Barbados’ anti-corruption framework must also entail legislative actions on campaign finance, public procurement and whistle-blowing legislation. Given the importance of these issues, all political parties ought to make unyielding commitments to ensure such legislative enactments are top priorities for their parties, by placing them within their manifestos. Irrespective of party, these issues should also be front and centre in their upcoming electoral campaigns and most importantly their administration.