Democracy has the ability to be the least corruption free and depends upon moral standard, laws, investigation, and enforcement of laws.
A lot more corruption seems to be tolerated, expected and goes unpunished.
Everyone seems likely/expected to cash in during/after public/military office.
Some of the corruption is sophisticated and systemic ala revolving door. Once the first official goes unpunished, 100 more follow and point to the precedence.

SXM is no worse than USA, we just expect them to be Mayberry like.

Singapore is the least corrupt place I have found. USA used to be.