Former Audit Director Paul Allsworth has raised significant concerns about corruption in the Cook Islands government, attributing it largely to cultural ties and environmental influences. During a presentation of his doctoral thesis at the University of the South Pacific, he discussed his extensive research encapsulated in his thesis titled *’Cook Islands – A Small Island Developing State – The Causes and Consequences of Corruption in the Public Sector – 1978 to 2018’*. This comprehensive work comprises 511 pages and investigates various corrupt activities by former public officials, revealing deep-rooted issues within governance.
Allsworth’s research draws upon the “fraud triangle model,” which delineates motivation, opportunity, and rationalization as key factors in fraudulent behavior. Notably, he has introduced a fourth component named “Te Toki e te Kaa Rakau,” drawing from traditional Cook Islands symbolism to signify the intertwined cultural and environmental factors that underpin unethical conduct within public offices. This model addresses the kinship, political affiliations, and tribal obligations that often obscure accountability.
He utilized publicly available data from the Cook Islands Ministry of Justice alongside records from the Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute to analyze real corruption cases, including abuses of power and mismanagement. Allsworth emphasized that while individual corrupt actions are apparent, they are often supported by collective cultural pressures, making them particularly challenging to detect and combat.
In discussing the scope of his findings, Allsworth pointed out that his research is the first of its kind to leverage court data comprehensively in the Cook Islands, seeking to offer a deeper understanding of moral and ethical failures in governance. His work aims to shed light on the complex dynamics of corruption in small island states, reflecting broader implications for governance and public trust.
This inquiry into cultural and environmental influences on corruption is crucial as it underscores the interconnectedness of societal values and governmental integrity, potentially paving the way for reforms that could enhance transparency and accountability within the Cook Islands. Allsworth’s commitment to addressing these significant issues reflects a hopeful pursuit of positive change in the governance landscape. It highlights the importance of continual dialogue and evaluation of governance practices to foster a more robust political environment that serves the interests of the community effectively.
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