Jamaica’s Corruption Score Stagnates as Governance Pressures Continue

Kingston, Jamaica — 10 February 2026

Jamaica’s standing on the global Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) has remained unchanged, with the country again scoring 44, reinforcing concerns about persistent governance challenges that continue to shape national institutions, public confidence, and long-term development outcomes. The findings were released this week by Transparency International as part of its 2025 CPI assessment.

The unchanged score places Jamaica 73rd out of 182 countries surveyed, keeping it firmly among nations considered to have “serious corruption problems.” While the score sits slightly above the global average of 42 — itself described by Transparency International as a new low — it reflects nearly a decade of stagnation for Jamaica, whose highest recorded CPI score of 44 was first achieved in 2017 and has not been surpassed since.

A Measure of Institutional Trust

The CPI measures perceived levels of public sector corruption on a scale from 0 to 100, drawing on data from at least three of 13 recognised international surveys and assessments, including inputs from institutions such as the World Bank and the World Economic Forum. Scores below 50 are widely interpreted as signalling systemic weaknesses in transparency, accountability, and enforcement.

Transparency International said the 2025 results underline a broader global pattern, noting that corruption remains “a serious threat in every part of the world,” with only limited signs of progress. The organisation warned that rollbacks in democratic checks and balances, alongside pressure on independent civil society, are compounding governance risks across many countries.

Why This Matters for Jamaica’s Development Path

While the CPI is not a measure of individual cases or specific sectors, it is widely used as a barometer of institutional credibility. For Jamaica, prolonged stagnation at this level has implications that extend beyond governance debates and into how the country plans, builds, and sustains its economic future.

Public confidence in systems that manage land, infrastructure, housing delivery, and long-term investment is closely tied to perceptions of fairness and transparency. Where trust in institutions is fragile, decision-making can slow, costs can rise, and long-term planning — particularly in areas requiring public coordination — becomes more difficult.

Transparency International highlighted that corruption globally contributes to under-funded hospitals, delayed or unbuilt flood defences, and weakened public services. In small island states such as Jamaica, these pressures intersect directly with national resilience, climate adaptation, and the capacity to protect communities and assets over time.

Regional Comparisons

Within the Caribbean, Jamaica continues to lag behind several regional peers. Barbados recorded a score of 68, The Bahamas 64, and St Vincent and the Grenadines 63. Other countries ahead of Jamaica include Dominica (60), St Lucia (59), and Grenada (56).

By contrast, Trinidad and Tobago scored 41, Guyana 40, and Haiti 16, placing them below Jamaica in the regional rankings. Globally, Denmark retained the top position, followed by Finland.

These comparisons highlight that progress is possible within the region, but also that improvement is neither automatic nor guaranteed.

A Long View on Accountability

Transparency International noted that while 31 countries have made significant improvements since 2012, the majority have remained stagnant or deteriorated. The organisation pointed to growing public frustration worldwide, reflected in protests and demands for reform, as citizens push back against unaccountable leadership.

For Jamaica, the persistence of a sub-50 CPI score suggests that institutional reform remains a long-term project rather than a short-term policy fix. Gains achieved since the mid-2010s have not translated into sustained upward movement, raising questions about how accountability mechanisms are functioning in practice.

Looking Ahead

As Jamaica navigates economic pressures, climate exposure, and the need for durable national infrastructure, institutional credibility will remain a quiet but critical factor. Governance scores do not determine outcomes on their own, but they influence confidence — both domestically and internationally — in how decisions are made and resources are managed.

The 2025 CPI results suggest that without renewed momentum on transparency and accountability, Jamaica risks remaining anchored at a level that signals caution rather than confidence about the strength of its public systems.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information and commentary purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Readers should seek professional guidance appropriate to their individual circumstances.