Search results

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of a regional trade agreement among a group of small island developing states on trade creation and trade diversion.

An augmented gravity model and panel data are used to estimate the trade creation and trade diversion effects. The generalized method of moments technique is used to account for possible endogeneity. Country pair and time fixed effects are also included.

The regional trade agreement had a positive effect on intra-regional trade creation, but there was no significant diversion of imports from extra-regional trade partners.

Small developing economies can benefit from regional trade agreements (RTAs) among themselves. The trade diversion effects of such agreements are likely to be limited.

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the only paper which investigates the impact of RTAs among small island developing states.

This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of Jamaica’s anti-money laundering regime.

The research is based on secondary sources. Existing laws and reports of relevant agencies were reviewed.

The effectiveness of Jamaica’s anti- money laundering regime is compromised by weak implementation of the regulations. The real estate sector and the legal profession remain vulnerable to money laundering. Some features of the economy allow criminals to circumvent the regulations.

The research is based on qualitative analysis because of the absence of data to compute quantitative measures of effectiveness.

Strong enforcement is required for effective control of money laundering. Furthermore, investigation of money laundering needs to be pro-active and not dependent solely on suspicious transactions reports in countries where corruption is prevalent.

Weak money laundering control can contribute to social instability by allowing criminals to gain significant economic power and influence.

No other study has highlighted the factors undermining the effectiveness of anti-money laundering regulations in Jamaica.

This paper aims to explain the reasons for the introduction of unexplained wealth orders (UWOs) in Trinidad and Tobago and highlights potential obstacles to implementation.

The research is based on secondary sources. The Civil Asset Recovery and management and Unexplained Wealth Act (CARAMAUWA) (2019) and relevant reports were reviewed.

The CARAMAUWA provides two potentially powerful tools to confiscate the proceeds of crime. However, the UWOs have greater potential. Effective implementation will require adequate human and financial resources, as well as measures to reduce corruption.

The CARAMAUWA became operational on 14 June 2019 so it was not possible to assess actual implementation.

UWO is a useful tool for controlling money laundering.

Effective control of money laundering can reduce crime.

No other study has examined the reasons for the introduction of the UWO in Trinidad and Tobago and the potential challenges to implementation.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between economic growth, foreign direct investment (FDI) and corruption.

Data for 42 developing countries and 28 developed countries is analyzed using panel dynamic ordinary least squares.

FDI has a significant influence on economic growth in both the short run and the long run for developing and developed countries. In the cases of the developing economies, lower levels of corruption enhance the impact that FDI has on economic growth.

The study links corruption to the impact of FDI on economic growth.