An Assessment of Corruption in Jamaica: A Quantitative Perspective

Abstract

Corruption is an enduring problem that hampers development, breeds inequality, and erodes trust in public institutions. Despite numerous efforts to combat this issue, corruption remains pervasive in many countries, including Jamaica. This study sought to assess public perceptions of corruption and self-reported involvement in corrupt practices in Jamaica, building on a similar study conducted in 2007. Using a stratified random sample of 762 Jamaican participants across 14 parishes were recruited. Findings revealed that around 14.3% of Jamaicans admit involvement in corrupt practices, while almost 4 of every 5 Jamaican surveyed viewed corruption as a serious issue. The agencies perceived to be the most corrupt were identified as politicians (44.6%), the police (19.7%), and the central government (14.6%). The findings indicated a critical need for anti-corruption strategies targeting these specific sectors, along with broader socio-legal efforts to address the underlying societal issues that contribute to corruption.This points to an embedded culture of low-level corruption. Interestingly, there was a discrepancy between the high perceived seriousness of corruption and the relatively low self-reported involvement, which may be attributed to factors such as social desirability bias and the normalization of certain corrupt practices. The study underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle corruption in Jamaica and calls for further research to understand the underlying factors contributing to this persistent problem. Effective policy development and implementation are required to address corruption across all societal levels, enhance institutional integrity, and foster a culture of transparency and accountability.