Canal Authority Recognized for Transparency

For the second year in a row, the Panamanian Public Institutions Integrity Index ranked the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) as the most transparent public institution in Panama for 2009. Out of 31 participating organizations, the ACP obtained the highest score, 266 out of 281 points. The ACP was also recognized as the firm with the best ethics and management program for 2009. The Index, promoted by the Foundation for Citizenship Freedom Development with the sponsorship of the United Nations Democracy Fund, determines institutions’ levels of quality, transparency and citizen participation. The Foundation serves as the Panamanian chapter of Transparency International. Index participants were evaluated through an 88-question survey with answers supported by documented evidence and validated by the Foundation. The questions examined policies and regulations at the institutions, the amount of public information available, and recent comments, complaints and reactions from the public.