By Travis Chase | HGP Nightly News |
— Guyana has recorded a marginal improvement in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), released on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, by Transparency International. While the country’s score rose by one point, the Germany-based watchdog issued a stark warning that systemic harassment of journalists and civil society is creating “fertile ground” for corruption to persist.
Guyana is now ranked 84th out of 184 countries, with a score of 40 out of 100—a slight uptick from last year’s score of 39.
Modest Gains vs. Institutional Fragility
The report notes that Guyana is one of only two countries in the Americas (alongside the Dominican Republic) to show significant improvement since 2012. However, Transparency International (TI) cautions that these gains remain fragile and at risk of reversal.
Key Findings for Guyana:
- Systemic Corruption: Despite new anti-corruption laws, TI maintains that “transparency and law enforcement remain low.”
- State Capture: The report reiterates concerns over “state capture by economic and political elites,” which leads to the misappropriation of resources and environmental crime.
- Oil & Gas Scrutiny: With the rapid expansion of the energy sector, observers warn that the lack of robust oversight mechanisms increases the risk of illicit enrichment.
The “Chilling Effect” on Media
A major highlight of the 2025 report is the documented pressure on independent voices. TI flagged Guyana for the “harassment and intimidation of independent media and civil society,” noting that such actions curtail public oversight.
- Silencing Scrutiny: Attacks on journalists and activists are described as “increasingly common.”
- Eroding Trust: The report warns that by making it dangerous for citizens and NGOs to challenge abuses of power, the government is effectively reducing its own accountability.
“In Guyana, harassment and intimidation of independent media and civil society similarly curtail oversight and accountability,” the report stated, linking civic freedom directly to the ability to fight corruption.
Regional Context: Trailing the Leaders
Despite edging past neighboring Suriname (which dropped to 38), Guyana remains significantly below the regional averages and its Caribbean peers.
| Country | 2025 CPI Score |
| Canada | 75 |
| Barbados | 68 |
| The Bahamas | 64 |
| Guyana | 40 |
| Suriname | 38 |
| Venezuela | 10 |
The Americas regional average is 42, placing Guyana just below the middle of the pack across the hemisphere.
The Road Ahead
Transparency International concludes that “bold leadership” is required to move beyond cosmetic reforms. The watchdog is calling on the Guyanese government to:
- Protect Independent Media: Ensure journalists can investigate without fear of legal or physical retaliation.
- Strengthen Enforcement: Move beyond passing laws to actively prosecute high-level corruption cases.
- Safeguard Civic Space: Protect the rights of NGOs and activists to serve as watchdogs for public resources.
