Parliamentary oversight and corruption in the Caribbean: comparing Trinidad & Tobago and Grenada. Issue 4 (2nd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stapenhurst, Frederick; Staddon, Anthony; Draman, Rasheed; Imbeau, Louis
• Is Part Of: Commonwealth & comparative politics. Volume 56:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 493
• Page End: 522
• Publication Date: 2018-10-02
• Subjects: Corruption -- parliaments -- oversight -- political will -- Trinidad & Tobago -- Grenada -- the Caribbean; Comparative government -- Periodicals; Institutions politiques comparées -- Périodiques; 320.9171241
• DOI: 10.1080/14662043.2018.1444933
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-2043

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Parliamentary oversight is a key determinant of corruption levels. This article presents research findings on parliamentary oversight in two Caribbean countries: Trinidad & Tobago and Grenada. Our results cast doubt on the results of previous research and also indicate that certain facets of 'the Westminster' system need to be relaxed, to reflect contextual reality in smaller island economies. Political will to adopt our recommended reforms is critical, but, as in other countries, inertia often dominates the political environment. Until citizens demand that their elected representatives establish various oversight and anti-corruption mechanisms and ensure these mechanisms are free of political influence, the institutions will be 'window dressing' and corrupt actions will go undeterred and unpunished.