Allowing Corruption and Dodging Accountability

Abstract Public investigations can be important fact-finding mechanisms empowered to scrutinize instances of government corruption. But in the small states Anglophone Caribbean, opposite is true, and these institutions become political tools used avoid accountability. By concentrating unchecked discretion prime minister, Westminster system empowers governments establish controlled lacking essential investigative powers. Meanwhile, public’s understanding resultant investigation influenced by a highly partisan media, largely government. In such circumstances, public insulate from accountability allow corruption go unpunished while giving superficial appearance transparency These strategies were successfully during 1987 Nedd Investigation into alleged surrounding redevelopment Antigua’s airport 1986. Manipulation another damaging consequence being small, polarized states.