
The aforementioned must be the bedrock of any modern democracy if we are to keep politicians and government officials are above corruption. Corruption is now recognized as one of the world’s greatest challenges. It is a major hindrance to sustainable development and is corrosive on the very fabric of society. Its disproportionate impact on poor communities is considerable, curbing economic growth, distorting competition, and representing serious legal risks. Technically, corruption covers an entire host of abuses, of which graft is one. Graft and corruption are charges that are typically levelled at highly-placed government officials, who are able to use public funds to improve their own fortunes due to increased access, influence, knowledge or power that comes with an elevated position. An official engaging in bribery, nepotism, embezzlement, extortion or graft is guilty of abuse of public trust at minimum, and may often be charged with a crime.
Graft
Graft is defined as a use of public stature to gain illegal benefit. For instance, a senator who sits on the armed services committee in the U.S. senate cannot use his knowledge of military contracts to buy stock in a defense contractor’s company. His position gives him unfair advantage over other investors. It is similar to the notion of insider trading in business.
History
The Pennsylvania capitol building in Harrisburg is a famous example of graft in action. The massive public structure was completed in 1906 at a cost of $12.5 million. This was a hefty increase over the $5 to 10 million estimate. The architect and chief contractor of the building were convicted of overcharging the state for several items, including an $850 bill for a flagpole that actually cost $150.
A more recent example is the trial of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, who has been accused of soliciting cash from suitors in exchange for appointment to an empty senate seat that he controlled.
It can be difficult to tell the difference between graft and other types of corruption. In some cases, the differences are slight. For instance, the main difference between bribery and graft is the element of public finance.
A police officer who looks the other way because criminals pay him off or takes protection money is taking a bribe. A politician who approves a contract budget that includes $300 windows and $600 television seats is engaging in graft.
A recent case in China shows the difference between embezzlement and graft. Real estate developers in that country were charged with both. Graft because one defendant also served on a local government development board that had influence on the bid process, and embezzlement because another diverted company funds to purchase personal investments. Does this happen in Barbados?
What is the hindrance to either the DLP or BLP enacting the above laws. Here are the Corruption index links:





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