#bigissues

The Government we Deserve

Democracies get the governments we deserve.

States grappling with endemic corruption must not only ask themselves why their leaders steal, but also why their citizens keep electing thieves to office.

Philanthropy or Corruption?

In a speech to Antigua and Barbuda's Parliament, Asot Michael MP boasted that he has poured historic sums of money "from his pocket" into his constituency, including to pay voters' personal expenses.

Is such conduct by politicians commendable philanthropy or rank vote-buying?

This clip is from my contribution to the discussion on Observer Radio's Big Issues, with David Hinds and Peter Wickham, moderated by Kieron Murdoch.

Taxes and the Social Contract

Antigua and Barbuda has no income taxes.  It is also the 15th most unequal country in the world.

A few citizens enjoy vast wealth.  The rest endure impoverished public services.

I discussed the effect of tax evasion on the social contract, on a panel moderated by Kieron Murdoch, for his Observer Radio Big Issues programme.

The full discussion is at the Observer Radio Facebook page.

The Pandora Papers

The Pandora Papers implicated hundreds of politicians from 90 countries, including 35 current and former heads of governments, from the developed and developing worlds, from democracies and dictatorships, from the East and West.

I was pleased to be part of Antigua and Barbuda's Observer Radio Big Issues discussion, on how we should respond to revelations that trillions of dollars are being hidden and stolen from the world's peoples.