...Evaluate whether the Westminster model system of government adopted by English speaking Caribbean countries accommodates corruption as a way of governance. First of all, the Westminster system is a democratic parliamentary system of government that was adopted by the Commonwealth Countries. The system was created in the United Kingdom and was adopted after the British left its colonies in the Caribbean and left in place political institutions and norms. In addition the term Westminster originated from the Palace of Westminster, the seat of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Most of the Commonwealth Countries used this system as the national and subnational legislatures and it’s a series of procedures for operating a legislature, the Commonwealth Countries that operate under the Westminster, parliament are said to be uses the bicameral legislation (parliaments are divided into two house) or the unicameral (one parliaments). Some Characteristic of a Westminster are: • a head of state • a head of government (or head of the executive), known as the prime minister (PM) • a de facto executive branch usually made up of members of the legislature with the senior members of the executive in a cabinet led by the head of government • Parliamentary opposition (a multi-party system) • an elected legislature, often bicameral and some unicameral in which at least one house is elected, • a lower house of parliament with an ability to dismiss a government by “withholding (or blocking)...
Words: 551 - Pages: 3
...closes June 17, 2016 @ 3:30 pm (EC Time) (15 marks). Question: Evaluate whether the Westminster model system of government adopted by English speaking Caribbean countries accommodates corruption Graded Discussion 2 by Sophia De La Rosa Williams - Wednesday, 15 June 2016, 9:05 AM Westminster system of Government can be defined as a democratic,parliamentary system of Government modelled after that of the United Kingdom system , as used in the Palace of Westminster (the Parliament of the United Kingdom).This system is a series of procedures for operating a legislature.It is used in most commonwealth nations.Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It can be classified as grand,petty and political,depending on the on the amount of money, lost and the sector where it occurs.According to Arnold Heidenheimer corruption is "perversion or destruction of integrity in the discharge of public duties by bribery or favour".I think it is safe to say that corruption and the Westminster system go hand in hand, the Westminster system has an inbuilt lack of checks and balances,this system is also based on majority rule, which is the rule of first pass the post method of election.In Trinidad and Tobago the use of ones office as a bargaining tool is becoming more apparent each day,we have the Housing Development Cooperation (HDC),this ministry seems to be a strong hold for corruption and it has nothing to do with the ruling party because the opposition is...
Words: 4973 - Pages: 20
...Corruption and Development Making the link between corruption and development: An Appraisal of Selected SIDS Genève Phillip (Ms) University of the West Indies Author Note Ms. Genève Phillip, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago c/o Head, Department of Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences E-mail: geneve.phillip@sta.uwi.edu/genphillip18@yahoo.com Abstract: The development strategies of small island developing states have promoted extensive, ongoing and intense debate in academia. In assessing the political economy of SIDS it is useful to note not only the factors that give way to development but also the ones that impede it. While a variety of models have been used to describe the development strategies of SIDS, the extent to which some of these models have been able to adequately capture the major constraints to development in Caribbean SIDS is questionable. Having said this, the overarching argument in the discourse which follows is that corruption can be a major hindrance to the development efforts of Caribbean SIDS. In addition to this, an investigation will be launched into the impact that corruption has had on the development of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. For all intents and purposes, the selected duo consists of one largely homogenous state and one heterogeneous state which will be juxtaposed to determine whether any similarity exists in the degrees of corruption in both countries. The...
Words: 7580 - Pages: 31
...Factors of Democracy in the Caribbean and its Challenges The political systems of the Commonwealth Caribbean nations paradoxically are both stable and fragile. All have inherited strong democratic traditions and parliamentary systems of government formed on the Westminster model. Political succession generally has been handled peacefully and democratically. For example, Barbados' Parliament deftly coped with the death in office of prime minister Errol Barrow in 1987. At the same time, however, the multi-island character of many of these nations makes them particularly open to fragmentation. Democracy is about power sharing and continuos balance of powers. Most countries of the West Indies follow a Westminster system that is associated strongly with the convention that political change should only occur in accordance with rules and precedents. Commonwealth Caribbean (English-speaking) either operate the constitution they were given at independence or have a constitutional change by making a process of small adjustments. For example in Jamaica in the Peoples National Party (PNP) under the leadership of Michael Manley in 1976 promised to create a republic which is a public financing of political parties, and included the extension of "integrity-legislation" to include senior public officials. But due to these radical reviews the people were able to vote against PNP prevented these implications. This proved that the people were able to balance out the power of...
Words: 863 - Pages: 4
...representation electoral systems. Proportional representation describes any electoral system that converters votes into seats in a broadly proportional way. In this essay therefore, I will be assess the advantages of using a proportional electoral system such as STV, List System and AMS. One advantage of using proportional electoral systems is that turnout is increased because voters believe that their vote will count and be effective, it will not be wasted thus, it will be used to make a difference. Therefore, more people are likely to take part in elections if they believe that their vote matters and they that their vote has the power to make a difference. For instance in Scotland AMS is used for Scottish parliamentary elections and it tends to have a higher electoral turnout than in Westminster where FPTP is used. However, ever evidence to this is not consistent as electoral turnout from devolved administrations that use a proportional representation system is not always higher the turnout at Westminster. Another advantage of using a proportional representation electoral system is that it increases legitimacy. This because the outcome is more accurate therefore both the government and individual representatives can both rightly claim a victory with a fair system of turning votes into seats. For example, when AMS is used the top up system adjusts the proportions of votes cast on the list system. In contrast the use of a non-proportional system known as FPTP and used in...
Words: 473 - Pages: 2
...express my opinion on what I think should been to develop proper demeanor of law enforcement officers. Lastly, this paper pinpoints training deficiencies and will provide feedback of the area of training needed to satisfy the deficiency. Law Enforcement Guidelines We, as ordinary people, oftentimes find ourselves in situations where people push our buttons, or they try to see just how far they can push us before we totally loose our composure. Our temper is an additive tool that is essential in helping if a situation is diluted or if a situation is escalated. Today, there is much scrutiny of excessive force, corruption and brutality within our local police departments and among law officials. According to Sir Robert Peel’s first principle, the main goal and accomplishment for the police is to hinder disorder and criminal offenses (New Westminster Police Department, 2013). It is of the police ethics and duty of not wavering by one’s threats or any type of language, especially offensive. The advantage of displaying such ethical behavior is in the event that the police needs any help the by-standers and/or witnesses will be more willing to assist the officer (Ethics, n.d., para. 3). There are too many police-involved shootings and in many cases, the victims or suspects are unarmed. For instance, a case in Jacksonville, FL where a man was moving and fumbling around in his car when he was pulled over for a traffic stop. The officer shot the man six times...
Words: 694 - Pages: 3
...Motions: * Politics This House would grant politicians immunity from prosecution PROS Giving politicians’ immunity from prosecution allows them to focus on performing their duties The premier reason that most states, even those that allow for the prosecution of politicians, abstain from prosecuting them while they hold office is that being a politician is a job that requires one’s undivided attention. Especially for the holders of prominent national-level offices, writing legislation, responding to crises under one’s purview, consulting one’s constituents, and engaging in campaign work often lead to politicians working an upwards of 12 hour day, every day. To expect politicians cope with all of these concerns will simultaneously constructing a defense against pending charges would be to abandon all hope of them serving their constituents effectively. We are rightly aggravated when politicians take extensive vacations or other extracurricular forays. Being under indictment not only consumes even more of a politician’s time; the stress it causes will inevitably seep into what remaining time they do allocating to fulfilling their duties, further hindering their performance. The impeachment proceedings for Bill Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice were so intensive that they took tremendous resources away from not only the president himself, but all branches of the federal government for several months, amidst serious domestic and foreign...
Words: 1640 - Pages: 7
...Laser Diagnostic Instruments (LDI) is an Estonian company, operating in the area of research, development, manufacturing and application of laser-based instrumentation. By the decision of a group of scientists in 1991 to apply their knowledge of lasers and electro-optics to practical commerce solutions, LDI offers analytical sensors to address environmental, industrial, and bio-medical issues, together with a range of software products that control measurements and handle data. LDI main products and services are based on novel laser, electro-optical and photonics technologies aimed at the real-time data assessment. Company developments and products quickly received worldwide recognition and the scientists' achievements have been acknowledged by prestigious international awards. The principal applications of LDI products and services are based on different technologies for each segments: o Laser induced fluorescence (LIF) is the technology that provides users with the tools to conduct broad and accurate environmental surveys of both water and ground in stressed environmental zones, which makes LID products specially suitable for oil spill response operations and others, like pipeline monitoring and leak detection. o Spectral Fluorescence Signature (SFS) is a very sensitive and selective tool to monitor many industrial processes on site and in real time, especially to ensure that products and processes start safe, meet standards, and remain safe at critical points throughout...
Words: 2897 - Pages: 12
...In 1742 and the Westminster district of greater London, William Bird earned a living as a jailer—his posting a small round-house utilized for holding prisoners until their appearance before a magistrate. On June 16, twenty women were under Bird’s care. At his order, jailers locked all the women into a small room with sealed windows. When the door strained against closure, a poker forced it to shut. In the summer heat, some of the prisoners began to remove their sweat-drenched clothing and beg their guards for water. The small room left the prisoners with no option but to remain standing against each other. A woman removed one of her shoes, banging it against the ceiling for attention. Another offered three half-pence for access to fresh air,...
Words: 1385 - Pages: 6
...idea of democracy is widely accepted to have originated from Athens in the 5th century BC. The Webster New Encyclopedic Dictionary (1995) defines democracy as a government in which supreme power is invested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through representation. According to Lindel, and Scott (1999), the term originates from the Greek word (demokratia) which simply means “rule of the people” and it was coined from (demos) “people” and (kratos) “power” or “rule” in the 5th century B.C. It is important to note that the political system postulated by the Athenians was such that democratic citizenship was exclusive to an elite class of free men only. Slaves and women were excluded from participation. Furthermore, in a lecture titled “What is Democracy”? Diamond (2004) gave an overview of what in his opinion is democracy. He describes democracy as a system of government with four key elements: a system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections; active participation of the people, as citizens, in politics and civic life; protection of the human rights of all citizens; and a rule of law in which the laws and procedures apply equally to all citizens. Popper as cited in Javie (2006) defines democracy in contrast to dictatorship or tyranny. He places emphasis on the availability of opportunities for the people to control their leaders and to them without recourse to a revolution. Popper’s view must have hinged on the fact that...
Words: 3633 - Pages: 15
...LEGT1710: Business and the Law Part One The Australian legal system operates under the theory that there is a separation of powers among the three divisions of government. The doctrine of the separation of powers was instigated to divide the institutions of government into three separate entities; legislative, executive and judicial. Each entity has different responsibilities; the legislative (parliament) is the supreme law-maker, and responsible for making the law. The executive (administration) administers laws made by parliament, and the judiciary, or courts, enforce and interpret the laws. As a result, the powers and functions of each branch are supposedly separate, allowing no single entity to establish complete authority, while each remain interdependent on one another. This ensures that there are checks and balances on authority, placing limits on what each institution can do, guaranteeing the prevention of absolutism or corruption and certifying the protection of individual rights. However, under the Westminster System, this separation is not in complete operation. In reality, the legislature and executive are not entirely separated. As the ministers, government departments and agencies are elected from, and consequently accountable to the parliament, there is a significant amount of interconnection between the two branches. This embodies the doctrine of responsible government; a system of government that exemplifies parliamentary accountability. Conversely, there is...
Words: 1322 - Pages: 6
...trained and prepared as a young child to become a future politician. Sir Robert Peel entered politics at a very young age. According to Simkin (2014), Sir Robert Peel educated at Harrow School in 1804 in England and Christ Church, Oxford where he won a double first in classics and mathematics. Evans (2006), stated that, “Peel was 20 years old when he graduated and already bent on a political, rather than an academic, career (p. 6). Simkin (2014), also mentions that Sir Robert Peel entered the House of Commons in April 1809, at the age of twenty-one. A year later, he was offered the post of under-secretary of Ireland. Simkin (2014), stated that when Sir Robert Peel became chief secretary for Ireland in 1812, Peel tried to end corruption in Irish government, also trying to end those aspects of government that gave preference to Protestants over Catholics, but was not successful in carrying out this policy and he eventually became seen as a leading opponent to Catholic Emancipation. According to Lyman (1964), “Peel had been forced to resign his Parliamentary seat for Oxford University because of the leading part he played in securing the passage of the 1829 Catholic Emancipation Act”. According to Evans (2006), in 1820, at age thirty-two, Sir Robert Peel marries Julia Floyd, daughter of a General Sir John Floyd (p. xiii.). According to James (2012), Sir Robert Peel had seven children with Julia, they had two daughter, Julia and Eliza Peel, and five sons, Robert, Frederick...
Words: 1135 - Pages: 5
...but not limited to the electoral system, the House of Lords, and open government. You must discuss why potential reform should take place, its observable implications and consider comparative examples where the changes already exist. Elections are an integral figure in any countries political system. Elections are also important symbolically in most competitive party systems, legitimizing a country’s political system in the eyes of it citizens. They offer a means of participating in politics, elections also give a feeling that they are exercising choices about who should represent them in the national parliament and about who should form the next government. One common debate of which Party System is best to run a Nation has long been argued by politicians and also which is the electoral system that governs the conduct of elections. With elections, change or reform can always be seen and in one case the United Kingdom is a perfect example, in May 2010 the first united coalition in the Britain since World War 2 and now currently there is an on-going debate for political reform in the UK regarding the current electoral system. Would new government bring closure to the drama of reform in The House of Lords? Or would the unelected house continue to cause up-set? The conservatives aimed to bring more transparency to the government of the UK in their manifesto while the Liberal Democrats promised to bring much needed changes to the electoral system .In which the current debate on Britain's...
Words: 2959 - Pages: 12
...OurOur responsibility money, A Citizens’ Guide to Monitoring Government Expenditures by Vivek Ramkumar T H E I N T E R N AT I O N A L B U D G E T P R O J E C T Table of Contents Foreword and Acknowledgments PART I Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Introduction: Why Civil Society Groups Need to Track and Monitor Budget Spending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Chapter 1: Overview of the Budget Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Chapter 2: Why Government Expenditures Can Deviate from the Annual Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 PART II The Budget Execution Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Chapter 3: The Budget Execution Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Chapter 4: Case Studies on Successful Civil Society Initiatives to Monitor Budget Execution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 1: MKSS Undertakes Social Audits in India . . . . . . . . . . . .21 2: CSCQBE Carries Out Public Expenditure Tracking Surveys in Malawi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Chapter 5: Other Successful Initiatives in Monitoring Budget Execution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 PART III The Procurement Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Chapter 6: The Procurement Process . . . . . . . ...
Words: 45532 - Pages: 183
...Westminster International University in Tashkent International Aspects of Business Law 2012 - 2013 Legal Risks in Emerging Markets – Evaluation and Mitigation Legal Risks in Emerging Markets – Evaluation and Mitigation Student’s ID number | 000090 | Module name | International Aspects of Business Law | Module code | 6241170 | Tutor | Eldor Mannopov | Individual assignment | x | Group assignment | | Submission deadline | 13 March, 2013 | For Academic Registrar use only | TABLE OF CONTENTS: INTRODUCTION 3 DEFINING LEGAL RISK LEGAL RISKS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE LEGAL RISKS COUNTRY PROFILES 4 - MALAYSIA - THAILAND 5 - VIETNAM 7 - CAMBODIA 8 CONCLUSION 9 REFERENCES 10 ITRODUCTION: Cowan PLC specializes in producing copper tubing. Following globalization and internationalization tendencies the company is currently considering an option of exporting...
Words: 4109 - Pages: 17
