— The U.S. State Department says Antigua and Barbuda’s Integrity Commission remains understaffed and under-resourced, while allegations of corruption involving government officials are common and investigations yield few results.

The assessment is contained in the State Department’s 2026 Investment Climate Statement for Antigua and Barbuda, which examines the country’s business, regulatory and governance environment.

The report says Antigua and Barbuda has laws providing criminal penalties for corruption by public officials and that those laws are generally implemented when corruption is proven.

However, it says allegations of corruption against government officials are common, with both major political parties frequently accusing each other of wrongdoing.

“Investigations yield few results,” the report states.

The State Department also highlighted the role of the Integrity Commission, established under the Integrity in Public Life Act.

Public officials are required to disclose their income, assets — including those of spouses and children — and personal gifts received while in public office.

The commission receives and investigates complaints involving alleged breaches of the Integrity in Public Life Act and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

While describing the commission as independent, the U.S. report said it is understaffed and under-resourced. It also noted that critics have argued the legislation is inadequately enforced and should be strengthened.

The report also said that while the Freedom of Information Act gives people a legal right to access official documents from public authorities and agencies, obtaining those documents can be difficult in practice.

It noted, however, that government funding constraints rather than obstruction could be responsible for those difficulties.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: U.S. Report Says Antigua and Barbuda’s Integrity Commission Understaffed, Under-Resourced.