In a passionate live broadcast, President Irfaan Ali took a firm stance against the latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) report from Transparency International (TI), dismissing its findings as politically motivated rather than based on objective assessments. The report, released on Tuesday, made sweeping allegations about state capture in Guyana, claiming that political and economic elites are involved in misappropriating resources, illicit enrichment, and environmental crimes.

However, President Ali was quick to challenge the credibility of these claims, pointing out the flaws in how the report was compiled and the questionable sources used.

Lack of Transparency in Transparency International’s Methods

Ali argued that TI’s methodology is deeply flawed, as it relies on subjective opinions rather than verifiable data. “The problem with Transparency International and these perception indicators is that there are serious issues with how they are conducted,” he stated. “Who are they interviewing? What is the criteria? Are they engaging stakeholders across the political and economic spectrum, or are they cherry-picking individuals with an agenda?”

He went on to highlight that past evaluations have shown political biases in the way TI collects its data, making their reports unreliable. According to the President, many countries have begun to push back against these perception-based rankings, calling for more accountability and transparency from TI itself.

Guyana’s Progress Undermined by Misleading Reports

Under the leadership of President Ali and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Guyana has made remarkable strides in governance, economic development, and the fight against corruption. The government has implemented stringent anti-corruption measures, improved public accountability, and ensured that the country’s wealth—especially from the oil and gas sector—is managed with transparency and fairness.

Despite this, reports like TI’s CPI continue to paint an inaccurate picture, failing to acknowledge the significant progress Guyana has made. Ali pointed out that the country has strengthened its institutions, modernized its financial regulations, and promoted good governance—efforts that should be recognized rather than undermined by politically driven narratives.

Political Agendas at Play?

Ali also raised concerns that reports like these are being weaponized by opposition forces and other interest groups that seek to discredit his administration. He emphasized that a truly independent and fair evaluation must involve perspectives from all relevant stakeholders, including the government, rather than relying solely on voices that may have political motives.

“If you’re interviewing individuals with political motives or an agenda, what kind of results do you expect?” Ali questioned. “A fair, independent evaluation must include perspectives from all sides, with responses from the government and relevant stakeholders. Without such a mechanism, there is no credibility in these reports.”

A Call for Fair Assessments

President Ali’s response sends a strong message—not just to Transparency International, but to the global community—that Guyana will not allow its progress to be tarnished by biased and misleading reports. His government remains committed to transparency, accountability, and good governance, and he called for international institutions to uphold higher standards of fairness when assessing countries.

As Guyana continues on its path of economic transformation, the PPP administration remains focused on delivering real results for the people, ensuring that development is inclusive and sustainable. Ali’s bold stand against misinformation highlights his dedication to protecting Guyana’s reputation and ensuring that the truth prevails over political narratives.