Public Accounts Committee Meets In Public

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Public Accounts met in public for the first time yesterday [July 1]. Chairman Bob Richards [3rd from left] is pictured with L-R Senior Clerk to the Legislature; Mr. Clark Somner; committee members Patricia Gordon Pamplin, Lovitta Foggo, Walter Lister, and Patrice Minors

The open meeting, held in the Senate Chamber, discussed matters relating to the accounts, operations and expenditures of the Department of Tourism, as highlighted by the Auditor General in the Auditor’s Annual Report for fiscal 2008 and in the Auditor’s Special Report dated February 2009.

In opening the meeting, Mr. Richards welcomed members of the public saying, “This is a very important part of our democracy; a very important step in Bermuda to have these matters heard in your presence. ”Echoing Mr. Richards’ sentiments, Walter Lister added, “For many years these meetings were held in camera. I hope the entire community will have an opportunity to see what we have been doing.”

Mr. Kevin Monkman [Acting Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Tourism & Transport], Mr. William Griffith [Director of Tourism], Ms. Jasmine Smith [Department of Tourism Manager, Hotel Administration], Mr. Curtis Stovell [Controller – Ministry of Tourism & Transport] and Mr. Anil Chatergoon [Comptroller – Department of Tourism] were all scheduled to appear before the Committee.

Previous to the meeting, Premier Dr Ewart Brown proclaimed the opening of the meetings of the Public Accounts Committee as “one of the steps towards the fulfillment of the Progressive Labour pledge to operate in the sunshine of public scrutiny.” saying:

The Progressive Labour Party as a longstanding champion for fair and honest government is proud to have introduced this form of openness to Bermuda. We have embarked upon an ambitious agenda of reform that within reason, will give the public access to the information that they want. The introduction of PATI Legislation is next on the agenda, providing even greater openness and transparency. Information is power, and soon more of it will be in the hands of the people.

Responding to UBP critics the Premier said, “When they had the opportunity the UBP talked about openness and transparency but practiced opacity and secrecy. When the Progressive Labour Party got the opportunity, we didn’t just talk open openness and transparency we acted on it. Promise made, promise kept.”

(Photo, courtesy of DCI)

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