Report: Premier, OBA, UBP Reply
[Updated with PLP's reply] Both Opposition parties responded to yesterday’s report from the Auditor General, with the UBP calling for the resignation of the officials involved, while the OBA called it a “deeply troubling report because it reveals elected and senior officials working the system to move public money into private hands.”
The Premier and Deputy Premier also responded, with Deputy Premier Derrick Burgess saying, “It seems as if Ms Matthews is on a personal witch hunt and to suggest that any wrong doing took place is outrageous.”
“Although the monies involved in these two investigations are not significant, the ‘misuses’ exposed by the Auditor General reveals a climate in which rules are disregarded and accountability to the people is not important,” said Opposition Leader Craig Cannonier.
Mr Cannonier went on to say that, “It indicates that Government priorities are not the people’s priorities. This is a Government, after all, that is laying off teachers, cutting back on social services, holding off on road repairs – while making a big deal about being careful with the people’s money and doing “more with less.”
The United Bermuda Party also responded, with MP Charles Swan saying, “The results of the Auditor General’s report is a damning indictment on the PLP Government. Further, it highlights the degree to which greed, avarice and arrogance have infiltrated the behaviour of members of this administration.”
Mr Swan went on to say that, “Government Ministers and Officials under this cloud of alleged corrupt practices should do the honourable thing and resign or take a leave of absence for the good of the country. Failure to do so forthwith should result in the firing by the Premier and suspension of the civil servants still employed.”
Deputy Premier Derrick Burgess said: “Concerning the allegations made the Auditor General’s report, the actions of the Bermuda Land Development Company Board of Directors was within the bye-laws of the Company and also complied with the Companies Act 1981.
“The Auditor General is also in possession of the legal opinion from Trott and Duncan as well as an opinion from KPMG – both of whom said that the actions taken by the BLDC Board were entirely legal.
“For the Auditor General to think that she is above the law is shameful. It seems as if Ms Matthews is on a personal witch hunt and to suggest that any wrong doing took place is outrageous and clearly an attempt to malign the integrity of those implicated in her report.”
The Premier and Minister of Finance — who was commended in the report for “taking prompt action” — also responded saying, “It is important to note the changes and corrective steps taken to address apparent deficiencies and to enhance processes since the period in 2010 that was the subject of the Special Report.”
The responses came after Auditor General Heather Jacobs Matthews released a Report on the Misuse of Public Funds yesterday [Jan.26], saying the financial issues discussed in the report involve elected officials and senior civil servants at the highest levels.
The full statement from Government follows below:
In taking note of the special report issued by the Auditor General today, Premier and Finance Minister the Hon. Paula Cox, JP, MP stated: “I acknowledge the work of the Office of the Auditor General in addressing items of concern relating to the operations and governance of the Bermuda Land Development Company during 2010.
“It is important to note the changes and corrective steps taken to address apparent deficiencies and to enhance processes since the period in 2010 that was the subject of the Special Report.
“The special report by the Auditor General follows on from actions that I took in my capacity as Minister of Finance when these same matters were brought to my attention in December 2010, more than a year ago.
“I commissioned the public accounting firm KPMG to conduct a review of BLDC governance and related party services and internal controls, and to make recommendations for improvements. The review included an examination of:
- BLDC bye-laws and other governance polices
- Procurement policy that was in place in 2010 and the testing of 40 procurement files
- Payments made to Saunders Maintenance Ltd.
- Whether the payments were in compliance with relevant BLDC policies and leading practice
- The workings of the Contract and Tender Committee
- Internal financial systems and related procedures
“The findings and recommendations of the KPMG review were accepted by the Ministry of Finance. As a consequence, a Special Meeting of BLDC was convened in May 2011 where the former Board was replaced by a new Board of Directors.
“The outstanding items relating to BLDC were flagged for action an aggressive agenda for action and a new direction was committed to by the new Board.
“You will know that one of the cornerstones of my administration is a firm commitment to good governance and strict adherence to international standards of best practice. The new Office of Project Management and Procurement has been established and there is new legislation on the books dealing with good governance.
Further, the second phase of the Good Governance legislation will be tabled in the next session of Parliament and will include the following proposed amendments:
- Extending and expanding on the conflict of interest offence when awarding contracts;
- Creating an offence of collusion by contractors and vendors bidding for contracts attempting to gain an advantage in the tender process by colluding with or obtaining information from public officials;
- Extending “whistle blower protection” to persons that are not included in the Employment Act, including contractors, vendors and part-time or temporary staff and any other person that becomes aware of potential wrong-doing;
- Enhancing the processes to ensure that money paid to vendors, contractors and organisations receiving grants is being used for the purpose for which it was authorised
- Introducing legislation outlawing the provision of inducements whether in the public or private sector.
“The Bill will further enhance good governance and transparency and will further underscore the message that this Government adheres to the high standards of ethical behaviour – transparency and accountability; fairness and equity; efficiency and effectiveness; respect for the rule of law.
“With respect to the engagement of the Canada law firm to follow up an investigatory action relating to the falsified checks that impugned the integrity of the Government of Bermuda, it was a legitimate action in the public interest.
“The Attorney General is fully satisfied that the Auditor General has had access to and has received all information to which she is entitled in relation to the funding of this matter.
“The funding of the Ontario Action by Government was, in the judgment of the Government, an appropriate course to follow in the interest of the Government, the Country and Bermuda’s international reputation and in this regard, we considered the funding of this action to be for a government purpose in that the personal action was the only means by which the government could take action against those responsible for essentially attacking the Government via its Ministers.
“These very serious allegations of corruption made against the then serving Premier of Bermuda as well as a present senior Minister, went to the heart of Government and therefore the funding of this action was justified as being for a government purpose. Government subsequently took the decision to terminate its retainer agreement with the Canadian law firm Lax O’ Sullivan LLP on or about the 6 September, 2011. ”
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The full statement from OBA Leader Craig Cannonier is below:
We have some preliminary comments to make about the Auditor General’s Special Report on the Misuse of Public Funds.
This a deeply troubling report because it reveals elected and senior officials working the system to move public money into private hands, regardless of rules designed to prevent such abuses.
It also reveals the Government using its power to deny information to the Auditor General, prompting her to question whether it had “something to hide.”
This is the same government that has launched a PR campaign to persuade voters that it is wholly committed to good governance for Bermuda.
The Auditor General’s report raises major concerns about the Government’s ethical leadership.
The “misuses” of the people’s money, she said, raised questions about the ‘tone at the top” of government and whether “Government officials at the most senior level will do the right thing.”
The Auditor General, furthermore, concluded that her two investigations “indicate a complete disregard for the concept of good stewardship of public money. I continue to be amazed by… the lack of commitment to good governance.”
These are damning statements. What should this mean to the people of Bermuda?
It indicates that Government priorities are not the people’s priorities. This is a Government, after all, that is laying off teachers, cutting back on social services, holding off on road repairs – while making a big deal about being careful with the people’s money and doing “more with less.”
Although the monies involved in these two investigations are not significant, the ‘misuses’ exposed by the Auditor General reveals a climate in which rules are disregarded and accountability to the people is not important. It reveals, in short, a government for insiders.
The Government’s reported attempts to thwart the Auditor General’s investigations and “cover-up” the misuse of the people’s money is particularly troubling.
We will have more to say on these special reports in the days to come.
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The UBP’s full statement follows below:
My colleague Kim Swan MP and I are deeply concerned having reviewed the latest report by Auditor General Ms. Heather Mathews.
The results of the Auditor General’s report is a damning indictment on the PLP Government. Further, it highlights the degree to which greed, avarice and arrogance have infiltrated the behaviour of members of this administration.
The greatest tragedy is that the persons who are required to protect the public purse – Government Ministers and Senior Civil Servants – are the ones put under the spotlight by the Auditor. Under the guise of doing the peoples business we find the to be that self interest is their business.
What is most unfortunate is that the country is within a year of when an election must be called by the Premier. Unfortunately, our constitution makes no provision to recall a government guilty by collective responsibility and complicit in alleged corrupt practices.
What is more disconcerting is that there are other investigations by the Auditor General pending.
Our concern is that the Auditor General is inundated, with more work than hours in the day to address it, that is connected with unethical behaviour by Government officials.
This latest development is a blight against our entire country which is reeling in a prolonged recession – tantamount to an economic funk. Right thinking, hard working Bermudian citizens and businesses should question whether their hard earned tax dollars should be remitted to a careless, spendthrift and unaccountable government that appears to be beyond control.
Government Ministers and Officials under this cloud of alleged corrupt practices should do the honourable thing and resign or take a leave of absence for the good of the country. Failure to do so forthwith should result in the firing by the Premier and suspension of the civil servants still employed.
Kim Swan added, “during a time when Bermuda as a country is reeling economically, this latest debacle is beyond disturbing. It clearly undermines the confidence of government and calls into question the proper protection of the public purse our country requires and deserves.”
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Update 5.30pm: The PLP released a reply, the full statement follows below.
The Progressive Labour Party, under all Leaders, and including all Ministers and Members of Parliament, supports and is willing to assist the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) in its role.
That being said, we call on the Auditor General to be objective in her reports and focus on the facts as opposed to subjective commentary. The Bermudian public deserves objectivity, and the Auditor General must do better in that regard.
The Progressive Labour Party recognizes the role of the OAG in the oversight and review of the expenditure of all public funds. Its purpose is necessary as it seeks to ensure responsible and efficient government. In fact, it was the Progressive Labour Party government in 1999, which strengthened the Office of the Auditor General.
We encourage all voters to read the report in its entirety to ensure they get the perspective of both the Auditor General and the relevant government department.
We also call on the media to report the contents of the report in full, and give equal balance to the Auditor’s comments and the Government’s response.
With regard to the Auditor General’s report issued on 26 January 2012, the PLP accepts the sensitivity of the contents of the report, given the current pre-election climate.
Under the circumstances, we feel that it is important to note the following with regard to the Bermuda Land Development Company:
- 1. The facts of the consultancy payments are as reported by the Auditor General
- 2. The facts have been independently reviewed by KPMG, an international accounting firm and Trott and Duncan a leading Bermuda law firm
- 3. Both KPMG and Trott and Duncan concluded that the consultancy payments were lawful and in accordance with the provisions of the company’s bye laws, a fact that the Auditor General does not acknowledge (see Minister’s response on 30 of the report)
- 4. The Auditor General has acknowledged that our Leader and Premier took prompt action once she was made aware of the Auditor’s concerns (page 9 of report)
- 5. The Government invoked the ultimate sanction of accountability by replacing the former
- 6. The Government engaged a full review of the operations of BLDC by KPMG, a respected international accounting firm
We emphasize that the actions taken by the Board were determined to be in accordance with the bye laws of the company.
The above facts demonstrate that the PLP government has acted out of an abundance of caution to protect the actual and perceived integrity of the public purse, even in the instance where there has not been any illegal activity.
In this instance, everyone is encouraged to read the complete document, including the Ministerial and Board responses that are included at the end of the report.
With regard to the falsified cheques, the Progressive Labour Party supports the Government in its quest to investigate their source.
It was determined that in an attempt to disparage and slander the names and office of the then Premier and a senior Minister of the PLP Government, cheques were falsified to assist in allegations of corruption.
The PLP believes that this was not a personal case for the Parliamentarians as individuals.
Therefore it was appropriate for the defence to be paid by the public purse. Whilst we accept that the opinion of the Auditor General may vary from that of the PLP Government, we again emphasize that these payments have not been deemed to be illegal or unlawful.
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So, some people in St. Davids get paid for work, 2 law firms say the payments were legal. Aud General notes a conflict of Interest, their contracts are ended, and the Board is replaced.
I guess i’m missing why this is a big deal. Its not like they’ve been accused of not doing the work they were paid to do.. This report seems odd.
Second, FAKE cheques are placed in government files defaming the govt. The Govt files an action, approved by cabinet.
OK so the Auditor General doesn’t like it, but to claim its illegal is a bit much.
Auditor General stated her opinion and pointed things out, thats her Job. But by the sound of it, one would think that they found 50 Million dollars in Switzerland or something.
In my view good to know people are watching, but nothing even close to illegal or unethical.
No one is questiong what the fees paid by the board were in fact used for? What if they ended up saving money as opposed to an outside firm… Not a concern, just concern to who they were paid to.
Interesting…….
Look at the timeline in the report – how long did they take to do the “report” – it also doesn’t state if it was actually received. They were to be paid approx $14,000 each – how much did they actually get? Financial Instructions say any project over $50k must be tendered – was it, no! Therefore a breach of the rules.
And to say it’s not unethical to sit on a Board and then take massive amounts of money to help out the Board you sit on is simply ridiculous!
Bermuda is slowly turning into another Jamaica. Irie Man!!!! The governor will do nothing to save this island which is being pulled into the gutter.
Man, the creative ways one finds to justify this kind of thing….outstanding.
There is nothing creative. Corrective measures did take place with the BLDC and I find the opinion of the AG on the legal cost used to defend the then Premier and a Minister of W&E troubling. They were accused of wrong doing in their public roles and thus it was appropriate to have the legal cost paid by the taxpayer.
Sorry that is wrong – it is not the Government suing the Canadian Architect and the W&E employee, it is Dr Brown and Mr Burgess as individuals. If the case is won it is these two individuals who will win the damages,not Government, therefore Government should NOT be paying for legal representation. Also – if it were Government suing the two men why would they not appoint through the Attorney Generals Chambers?
Case is a lot of hot air going nowhere – in the wrong jurisdiction
So was the case the Bermuda Government -vs- the defendants?
Or was it two private individuals -vs- the defendants?
Strange that after the report was issued Prem Cox had the retainer cancelled and the litigation went forward with the accused’s own money. Even she recognized the conlfict of interest.
Which is normal practice for private litigation. But then again there is nothing normal about these backwards island
agree @Tired – however, the Premier cancelled the retainer BEFORE the report was published which is to her credit – a small bit of credit maybe, but credit all the same.
Definitely noted that and believe that she is trying to clean up the mess.
However, have they tried to recoup the $$$ that were intitially paid to teh lawfirm?
That is my major issue. Some get caught out but nothing gets done about it. But heaven forbid some non-politically connected person gets caught stealing a fraction of the same amount they are blasted in the media while the courts issue their punishment. Or if some sorry soul gets caught with less than a gram of weed and their fined thousands of dollars.
While at the same time people who “mis-used” the people’s money are simply let off without any form of punishment or attempt to recoup these funds.
Guess it isn’t a black/white thing in Bermuda. It is all about who you know and whom you are affiliated with.
If no laws are broken, why do you expect for people to be prosecuted?
@ Meltdown- ..it was a personal action ! If they (EB and DB) won the case, they (not the Government) would have profited personally. Can you not see why that is wrong?
If they wanted to sue the Canadian firm and they stood to profit from the action then THEY SHOULD PAT FOR IT. Failing that, if the suit is being brought by the GOVERNMENT, then the GOVERNMENT should be paid any potential proceeds from the law suit.
Simple. You can’t have it your way both ways.
Outstanding, well hopefully they swing by your house and take the money from your wallet to help cover the costs, since you’re perfectly content with footing the bill.
Agree totally. I think the situation is totally overblown. Plus at the end of the day the Premier was commended by the Auditor General for taking decisive action.
Its a new day – same issues! A government that takes from it’s people…(the ultimate black on black crime) More to come!
@ Understanding says…good laugh for the am! Your summary must be in jest. This is imo another example of taking care of your friends at the people’s expense. In addition this whole report might just scratch the surface. What I do find interesting is that the Deputy Premier releases a statement yesterday which basically says the AG is on a witch hunt and then the Premier releases a statement which contradicts him. Who is correct? Who can you believe? Can you believe either? This is not the way any government should conduct business and it is unacceptable. Time for change. Time to put the people first.
As Jim Woolrridge said “those little white boys don’t mind you being in charge as long as they can tell you what to do – “The House That Jack Built” by the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge.
How you going to watch my house, but don’t live on my block. Now try to answer what Mr. Woolrridge stated since you have all the answers from your big white house?
Jamel-
Once again race……….what has race got to do with our leaders acting with intergrity?
Again, I state, no one here believes the racial disparity is right- lets work together to fix it. Calling someone bad names who has devoted their lives to betterment of Bermudians reflects badly on you, not them. Michael Dunkly, amongst others, does not need to do what they do. They have plenty of material things but seek to help others. There are many in both parties who are called to serve, not for money or power but because they can.
All I see is people and people are doing without, not able to feed their children, pay the rent. When did you take time out of your life to go and feed the homeless? Many many people do, and a large share of them are the expats you all love to hate. I resent like heck that I drive a 12 year old carin desperate need of replacemenet and ministers have brand new expensive cars being driven to golf courses and out to dinner to lord it above us. That is not racial, that is a fact. So keep defending your position while your fellow Bermudians struggle- and that rich white man you hate so much because of his ancestry, he will keep on giving food to people in need.
Black, white, zebra, a crook is still a crook
PLP with all their little “Jamels” out there will take Bermuda to ruin.
When in doubt play the race card…
Your own UBP/OBA members played the race card as more and more of them left that party. I have never been a part of the UBP/OBA and never will be. Why did all the blacks leave the party? Was it a race thing or were they not treated well by the white elite. Such as the Milkman and the rest of the Front Street land owners! Lets not forget it was only recently that the OBA/UBP started to worry about the middle class Bermudians. Before this they were only concerned about their OWN! It’s election time and I’m not about to look back to the past Government UBP/OBA for help.
The OBA/UBP should not throw stones at another glass house, when they know they have the same structure.
Your not going to fool me with all this lets invite the cattle in the farm house to eat, then once their full we slaughter them. The Milk man’s party and trust me it is his party reminds me of the story Hansel and Gretel!
Never been to an OBA meeting in my life, nor a UBP.
From the pictures I see there are plenty of black Bermudians involved with the Opposition. just because your ignorant self considers these black Bermudians to be sell outs, Uncle Toms, House ni$$ers and what not doesn’t mean they are not black. That is just your hateful and intolerant nature kickin ginto high gear. Actually the Opposition is a much better representative of BDA’s demographics then the PLP ever has and probable ever will be.
So explain to me how your racial remark had anything to do with the issue at hand (i.e. AG’s report on misused public funds).
Or you keep on track and tell me how white I am and how I must live in Fairylands while being a member of the yacht club. Cause in the end all you can do to “defend” such actions is attack the skin color of another. You proved as much above and I am sure your inotlerant self will stick to the wicket once again.
Jamel, Thank you for being honest. NO ONE IN BERMUDA PLAYS THE RACE CARD BETTER THAN THE UBP/OBA. NO ONE.
Everytime they speak, we need to stop worriying about the colour of our skin, stop voting on race, we are mixed race, we don’t need to be divided on race.
They talk about race more than the PLP EVER does and then has the fipping nerve to say the PLP plays the race card.
What country do you live in?
Shall I post the numerous and ongoign racial remarks to remind your forgetful behind which party tries to demonize and vilify others based solely on their skin color?
Oh I get it because you yourself are a hateful racist that you can’t see how racist it is.
Glass tones and houses as mentioned by Jamel…racist
I never played the race card and neither did I consider the few blacks in the UBP/OBA sell outs, Uncle Toms, House ni$$ers. You called them that by what you wrote. What I stated were facts lets not forget why the UBP change their name to UBP/OBA. I didn’t leave the UBP the higher ups in your party did. Ask yourself why? Maybe you already know that answer and you also know why the Milk man changed the name. I don’t have to explain and thing to you or your Masters. I’m not forgetting how hard people like me fought to get respect in this country.
Malcolm X ….We didn’t land on Plymouth Rock, my brothers and sisters – Plymouth Rock landed on us!
I will tell you this your a coward and a fool role into one a$$ for not stating your real name. Stand by what you believe in and stop hiding behind your glass house called Tired of nonsense!
So you don;t consider your original post not playing the race card? so what exactly does your reference to race and the UBP have to do with the subject at hand? Is it because the AG this time is black and you can’t shout racism in your so called “re-buttals?”
And you said ALL blacks left the opposition. I stated that isn’t true and i have heard and read how many of your PLPers view black people in Opposition.
Are the pro-PLPers that post anonymously also cowards in your eyes? The real coward is people like you who seek to distract from the matter at hand by throwing around racial rants. If you weren’t a coward you would address what is being spoken about. Real cowards are the ones that run away from the topic.
Selective hearing is a problem for you isn’t it.
LOL
Stop changing the subject Jamel!
YOu have to face the facts “our people”
have been busted.
Race card is a reality check. Whites don’t have the interest of blacks in mind and vice versa.
That’s just your opinion. But it is refreshing to note that finally some are admitting that the PLP do not really care about white Bermudians, instead of playing dumb and wondering why more don’t support a party that spews nastiness abotu them at any given chance.
I know of many that care for one another despite the difference in pigmentation.
On top of that I am assuming that all PLP candidates, MPs and Senators all live on jamel’s block. Hence why he will vote for PLPers first? That’s one big ass block…
@Tired of Nonsense
Mr. Jamell wrote some valid points, we don’t know what his block is like and lord knows we don’t live in his World. Everyday more and more blacks are being discriminated against. Please don’t act like it not happening. Right now the OBA is the party of choice for a few and I hope more to follow. We are trying are hardest to unite blacks & whites as you see by our photos. You will see more of this in the coming months before the election.
What I will tell you is this relax! You and a few others are spawning hate toward the blacks on the PLP, when we should be working hard to attract them to the OBA. I’d rather you zip your mouth then add to the fire that’s burning among the black Bermudians in this country. All it takes is the wrong message from you and it would breed thousands of Lavern’s on here. If you notice Micheal doesn’t put them down when they talk about him, he tries to lift them up. I’ll leave you with this, think smart and play smarter don’t be a fool in the sandbox. We don’t need people like you supporting us if your not going to keep it positive. Read the post that you have written on here and stop being an A $ $ as Jamell put it.
OBA Member and proud of it,
Thanks fo the response and the name calling…
That’s the problem with you opposition members, you allow others to define you and never rebut the labels being attached to you. You would’ve thought that you learned the first time round that this houlier than thou approach has not worked…but hey hopefully calling me names will help you gain the support you seek
And it seems that you have bought into this schtick that any PLP criticism is automatically a dig at black bermudians. Isn’t that just a convenient method of stifling all forms if criticism by simply focusing on the messenger and what they look like.
So you agree with Jamel that your party is just a simple reincarnation of the white
supremacist UBP and people like dunkley etc. Are simply using black members in a bid to lure black vote? While black members are confused or worse? Those were the only points he made. Sounds like you’re in the wrong party mate
And by the way I speak for myself and not you or any other organization.
Sincerely,
A$$
@ Tired of nonsense
I’m not going to have a sparing contest on here with you. Messenger, message it’s all the same. It’s not about luring or using the black members that was the old UBP ways. You with all your nonsense writing you are acting like the same old party that we all left, but maybe you didn’t. Since your not part of any organization either PLP or OBA you must have be part of the elite UBP that hasn’t face the reality of the situation.
It’s no wonder that people of color read these criticism and feel alienated from people like you. It’s not about sounding like I’m part of the PLP just because I aided Jamel in his time of need against a trash talker such as yourself.
I have made it very clear what party I’m affiliated with. Don’t try to change the label on my back. If you were part of the OBA you would see that blacks and whites are joining hands and are coming together unlike anything you’ve ever seen before for the common good of Bermuda. I’m so glad you made it clear that you don’t vote for any organization, but then again the readers on here know that your talking bull $hait!!!!! From your writing it’s obvious you not supporting the PLP.
You have selected memory and must be a sick person racist person against not only blacks, but whites. Maybe my ancestors should have dropped Plymouth Rock on you. Then again you were born an A$$. For business reasons I wish I could list my name here, but hey as the Speaker of the House told me, I’m telling you ………sit down it’s not you turn.
What are you on?
U stated Jamel had valid points. His points were that your party is nothing but ubp2.0 and that your party has no interest in the welfare of black bermudians. That was his points and you claimed they were valid.
So you ave no problem with people stereotyping the party of which you are a member but you tak immense issue with people that don’t take kindly to such stereotypes and calls em out on it? Interesting approach…maybe u like being labelled as such…maybe you fill the stereotype?
How did you and why doe Jamel need any aid from you? He seemed to be able to repky
He seemed to be able to respond all by himself without your aid…
His time of need? The gentleman stereotypes ur party as being a racist organization and you go after me because I am tired of hearing such nonsense on a daily basis.
I believe u might be a bit confused sir.
But what do I know as a much more intelligent being such as yourself has greater insight than a simple a$$ like me…
Sincerely,
A$$
Also please explain to me your comment about my selective memory and I mustbe a sick racist? Please elaborate on ur accusations and what led u to state such a derogatory label towards myself
Sincerely,
A$$
I am so sorry that you feel all white people are evil, they are not. Just keep asking yourself if what has been accomplished by the ruling party has bettered our island in any way? We have more poor people than ever, we have no jobs, survivial is now a lifestyle for many. I am trying to keep my view balanced. The world has been entrenched in a financial crisis but we were so well positioned to weather that and somewhere, somehow, that all changed. If you think this struggle is because of race, you are deluding yourself. Many many wrong have been done to the black race the world over, you will get no argument from me or most reasonable people on that. But our way forward is, your way forward is, not via more hatred and “punishment” of whites, no matter the cause. If you wish to attack Dunkly and others on their political views, then do so but in my view, calling him a white man which equals evil makes you sound ridiculous.
Be for real: The people I know and have spoken to, Bermudians from a variety of backgrounds, so many race and combinations, need representation- not sure what blacks you are referring to. Please don’t tell me what I have in my mind.
LS – your post makes too much sense to get the applause it should by most of the deluded on this board.
We have more black people that own their own houses under the PLP. YOU MUST BE WHITE.
not all only some like the milkman, the bankman, the holtelman etc etc etc.
What does that have to do with anything?! You are doing EXACTLY what Derek Burgess is doing. ignore the message and attack the messenger.
Oh what I would give to have my people grow up.
AGREE!!!
In an advanced democracy Burgess would be sitting on the backbench today with his head spinning & his backside hurting. Actually if there was any honour at all he would have resigned, or be forced to resign, a long time ago at the very first hint of impropriety. Alas, there is very little honour in the PLP. He will stay getting every last $ possible.
@ Triangle Drifter,
Cox cannot demote any Minister as they all know too much about the wheeling and dealing that goes on within her Cabinet.
All she can do is play musical chairs.
@rockfish – isn’t he elected by the party to the position of Deputy Premier and does that not mean he HAS to be a Minister. Iam not sure, just asking the question, but it would be one answer to why Madam Premier hasn’t fired him!
Michael Dunkley, Surely you are either making stuff up or you ran out of money to pay your bloggers.
Facts were laid out in the report. The Auditor has her opinion.
Of course you agree with the Auditor, but you should accept that some poeple do.
Time for a Change??? A Change to what? YOU!! LMAO, nice try.
Mr Dunkley?? Really?? Commenting on Bernews?? Don’t you have official methods to release your statenents through the OBA machinery?
Pot this is the kettle calling………………………LMFAO…………..
LOL
I keep tellin em that Dunk! The PLP has lost it’s way!
The Premier and Deputy Premier also responded, with Deputy Premier Derrick Burgess saying, “It seems as if Ms Matthews is on a personal witch hunt and to suggest that any wrong doing took place is outrageous.”
Ahhhh yes. The ‘ol trusty shoot the messenger from our Deputy Premier. She is dong her JOB. It’s not personal, it’s her JOB. If she gave the Government a clean bill of health, you would be shouting her virtues. Since there are highly unethical things happening in with the people’s finances and she is revealing it, somehow that translates into a personal witch hunt.
This government is seemingly happy to condone unethical but “not illegal” behavior. BKDC changed the bye laws to allow the shady transaction to take place. If that makes it legal, it doesn’t make it right. Government was either asleep at the wheel or they were cool with it to begin with. Either way, it is indefensible and the attack on the AG is so predictable from a Government that has shirked it responsibility to be transparent and ETHICAL to the people whom it serves.
What a disappointment.
They changed the bye laws but never had them approved by the board, ergo the new bye laws were never passed!
Well let’s get on with the prosecutions then !
Agree!
excactly, the two highest ministers of our current government both released contradicting statments about the same issue. DB claimed that everything was legal and Ms. Matthews is on a witch hunt, while our illustrious Premier admitted the wrongdoing and lists her actions taken to rectify it, including the replacing of the BLDC board!
Call the election Paula!!!!!
Maybe Laverne Furbert will come on here and explain why two different comments were given by our highest two ministers. She has answers for everything else..’explain this one Laverne!
$50,000,000.00 in a Swiss Account? Not absurd by any stretch of the imagination, would not surprise me at all if this whole thing very soon took on a global hue…
How long will decent members of the PLP sit silently and be complicit in this billion dollar fiasco? uncluding recent members S. Todd and V. Ingham?
So Lets see.. Auditor General says its illegal. A law firm and consultancy firm say they are OK…
There is a difference of opinion. I do however hope the OBA overplay this, as the people really have a right to know how FAKE CHEQUES entered the Government’s files.
Well it’s pretty obvious who had the opportunity to put fake checks in the government’s files.
In the meantime, let’s deal with the facts we know. The Directors of a government entity employed some advisors, and paid them a lot of money. They didn’t go to the trouble of getting the proper authority to hire those advisers, but they hired them and paid them anyway. And who were those advisors? Themselves.
You don’t see anything wrong with that? It’s plain, simple corruption.
Bullet that is …
LOL
Can you list ANY PLP member who is NOT complicit?
They are all complicit, because they are PLP!
Yes I can list one member that is not complicit, and he is Dale Butler.
Kim Swan has a suggestion which would get the PLPs attention. The Government is broke. They are living from paycheck to paycheck i.e. taxpayers paying taxes in one form or another.
Stop paying taxes wherever you can. Landtax is due for many. Withhold it, especially if you are a homeowner with an empty apartment because of PLP action in chasing IB out. Don’t buy that new TV or latest smartphone. Don’t buy anything unless it is needed.
The message will get through.
Surely a former leader of the opposition isn’t encouraging people to break the law.
Oh yes, Damage the economy, that will fix our problems. You lot kill me!
Keep on supporting unethical dealings with the people’s money while attempting to denigrate the AG for pointing out such transgressions…that will surely fix our problems…You lot slaughter me!!!
Actually he still is the leader of the opposition. There just happens to be two opposition parties now. Reason do they ever let you out the house without your blinders on?
Sorry, he’s not the opposition leader as there can only be one at a time.
He should drop the Reason part and just run on voice……………..
LOL
Shocking that the Deputy premier would imply the auditor general is a WITCH unbeliveable
@ Get real Why don’t YOU get real and stop spinning what people say to stir the pot more. Or are you that stupid that you do not know the term “Witch Hunt”?
Witch hunt refers to someone hunting for witches (which do not exist) So what the Deputy Premier is implying is that she is hunting for something the does not exist. That in no way imply’s that she is a witch.
The Auditor’s report will require a full reading to ‘get both sides of the story’ since the responses are at the end of the report.
From reading the facts, an objective response is quite simple. The report represents a difference of PROFESSIONAL OPINION by the The Auditor General, KPMG and Trott and Duncan. It is also interesting to note that the Auditor General commends the Premier for taking swift action once she was aware of the Auditors concerns.
Notwithstanding the Auditors comments, most posts are blaming the Premier for what transpired!
To summarise, the Auditor reviewed the payments to the former Chairman and Deputy Chairman of BLDC and had concerns about the appropriateness of the payments. She advised the Board and they sought independent (expert?) advice from a leading accounting firm (KPMG) and law firm (Trott and Duncan). Both confirmed that the payments were not illegal and in accordance with the company bye laws. Once the Premier was aware of the Auditors concerns, she took decisive action – requested repayment of the payments and asked for resignations. She then replaced the entire board!
The report result – the Auditor infers that there was a problem with the payments and the Minister’s response that Trott and Duncan and KPMG confirmed that the payments were legal is included in the appendix for full information to teh public (if they take the time to read the full report).
On a related note, I thought these types of reports were published via the House of Assembly. What happened to cause the reports to be published without the immediate benefit of debate by our Parliamentarians?
From a succint review, how can we legitimately criticise the current Premier and Minister of Finance?? She acted with a sense of urgency once notified by the Auditor.
We seem to accept the Auditors opinion that the payments were wrong but do not accept her opinion that the Premier acted prmptly to take corrective action. We can not have it both ways!!
No one has suggested thatthe Premier did not act swiftly.
But where is the punishment for such “mus-use” of public funds? Have they been banned from ever sitting on another Govt board since? Have they (Govt) attempted to recoup any of these funds?
Why is it that when a shop lifter gets caught he/she must go to court, be named and shamed, and either go to jail or face some other form of punishment while racking up offenses ona record that will follow themselves around for the rest of their lives.
But when it comes to the public’s money and mis-appropriation of hundreds of thousands of such funds we should all just forget about it and actually turn our attention to the person who actually had the integrity to highlight such transgressions.
And all this time I was told by the parrots that the Opposition was the eltitist party that protected their own while pillaging the public purse.
Not sure what youar getting at. The entire board was replaced, in addition to the Chari and Deputy. The names are in the paper for all to see. I do not think anything has been held back.
So has the money been paid back………………..?
LOL
But was there any attempt to recover the money that was spent or “misused?”
I am getting at the lowly person in the street is punished (and rightly so) for much lesser offenses (i.e. shoplifting a bottle of booze).
But politically connected people who “misused” hundreds of thousands of taxpayer monies is simply booted off of a board with no worries of legal action being taken against their actions.
Get it now. One rule for the politically connected and then another set of rules for the non-politically connected.
Finish the paragraph following that sentence.
@ Vote for Me – good arguement, but the issues that still arise are:
- was the money repaid?
- does the Audidor have to investigate every transaction/payment as no one else seems to be on top of the process. How many like transactions/deals have not been uncovered? The Auditor can’t be everywhere, we are definitely missing “good governance”
- Trust is gone forever
@ Big D
According to the report, a request for repayment was made. Unfortunately, if the payments were not illegal, there is a limited ability to force the repayment.
In terms of reviewing all payments, that would be a costly exercise. I think we have to be careful about jumping to conclusions. We can not assume that most payments had challenges. We should assume that most payments were fine.
Vote is not worried about trust just votes………………………
LOL
You need to remember in someof these cases who was the Finance Minister in charge?
Can you remember the Premier making the actions of persons concerned known to us and her actions as you have shared known straight as they were done….. we wouldn’t kick up if we all remembered the Premier being so swift – then we would congratulate her for her transparency….
@ wondering
According the report, the Premier found out about the payments, took a series of actions and then replaced the Board in May. Kudos to the Premier.
Do do you know how long it to the Premier to get this done? Anther question – what Committee was it that was blocking Mrs. Matthew’s efforts to get information and how long did it take to get that Committee together and working with Mrs. Matthews? Will read your respnose on Monday….
@ wandering (or wondering)
According to the reports, teh Minister was aware of the Auditor concerns in December 2010, aksed for restitution and resignations, engaged KPMG to conduct a review and ultimately replaced the Board in May 2011. Not sure of any other actons she took but it looks like the major issues were resolved within 4 months or so.
Will read response Monday?? If you are travelling do not forget your 35% duty when you return
I guess you are wandering after all.
2003 – BHC
2007 – Cedar Beams
2012 – BLDC
It didn’t work in 2003, it didn’t work in 2007, and it won’t work in 2012.
Less than $200,000 in disputed payments out of 1 BILLION Dollars and the OBA think they have a ticket to Cabinet Office…
Think again clowns
The only clowns are the ones that condone and protect such “unethical” occurances while at the same time cheering their party for enacting a tax increase in the middle of a recession.
That is some clownish behavior…party before country with you lot…
We better start growing more bananas.
how about UBP selling convict bay for $1.? ask Michael Dunkley and Grant Gibbons about that one? That is why I can’t support the milkman, he only support the upper class money people, get it straight, he don’t care which coloured people he uses to get the greens into this accounts.
1 BIILION DOLLARS!!!!!!!!!
That is a a big problem. Think about how much money they NEED to look after 60,000 people!!!
Nowhere on earth would it cost that, because it doesnt. It’s being wasted. And condoning 200k like it is nothing is absolutely crazy.
PLP PLP PLP all the way
P LEASE. L EAVE. P OLITICS.
In spite of the Auditor General’s report, and the negative comments posted here, we’re still “Proud to Be Bermudian! Truth is there is more to us, a strength that’s at the core of us, a kindness that still shines
Through the tough times, Together we can overcome and find a way to rise above anything.
It really doesn’t matter, as there’s no place better (than Bermuda).
Could not find a way to defend them Laverne? Post a bit of pablum.
That’s funny, using the words of a song you criticised publicly in the Senate to defend gross misconduct. Oh, the sheer irony!
Nice to hear from you Alsys. Glad to see you that we have the benefit of your wisdom on Bernews as well as BIAW.
Remember this, I did not criticise the song publicly, I criticised the group the commissioned the song.
Critized people trying to bring Bermudiana together.. At least you are honest about realizing that the PLP’s only hope is to keep Bermudians divided
More delusion from LF,
So what will you be commissioning to help bring people together?? Also you did criticize the song PTBB publicly.
Particularly the verse that you conveniently inserted PLP into on a previous post. Maybe you need to see the ZBM news report of it again to refresh your memory, try You Tube, look under the comedy section as that’s what you gave everyone who saw it, a BIG laugh LOL
By the way its nice to see you are championing a song that you refused to support and or purchase no matter who commissioned it. Jeykl and Hyde personality for sure.
what color is that kool-aid you drinking Laverne…green
If I recall, you were vocally against this song, now your posting it? Sorry, but you are a confused person, that has a lot of hate.
Right on observer,
Jeykl and Hyde personality syndrome for sure.
Surely, LaVerne, you are not quoting the song you were scathing about not so very long ago?!?
So who’s going to jail for this? If nobody burns then as a young person i will follow the example they are setting, and when questioned i will point to this.
@slick, please don’t bring yourself down to their level. Young people like you need to BE the example. You are our hope for the future to fight these dinosaurs to extinction. Stay strong and true.
“You must be the change you want to see in the world” Mahatma Ghandi
Points to note:
1. Unusually, the Governor isn’t commenting – could it be that Heather has overplayed her hand?
2. Is the Auditor General saying she is above the law and that legal professional privilege doesn’t apply to her like it does to everyone else on the planet?
3. If she threatened to imprison people for not furnishing her with information why hasn’t she done it? Could it be that she can’t or there’s no cause to do so?
4.Is she suggesting that public officers should have disobeyed the Cabinet Conclusion to pay the bills? I thought that wasn’t allowed? Can’t have it both ways Heather.
5. If she has these vast powers bred of her exalted and purported “independence” why does she, like a spoiled child or spurned lover “leave it to the court of public opinion” ? Professional people don’t rely on the Royal Gazette to do their work.
6. If every administrative action she flags will become the subject of a special report then no wonder she can’t get to her core work on the country’s accounts.
7. If this Premier who has jumped at every opportunity to dismantle the house that Ewart built stands by the payment of the legal bills then a) there’s more to this than anyone’s telling and b) that should be good enough for us.
8. Heather vs KPMG – you choose who’s likely to have the more independent opinion and interest in reputational security.
That’s some pretty heavy and nasty spin you’ve posted here! Nice try.
Does any criticism of the PLP ever occur without ulterior motives?
or is everyone else just stupid and a hater?
Does any defence of the PLP ever occur without the defenders being called “sheeple” or being on some special “kool aid”? Just like Heather has an opinion and can reject those opinions with which she does not agree, well so can I.
Never have agreed with that approach…same way I don’t agree with labeling all critics as racist devils bent on applying oppression…
Seems we agree whats wrong and whats not working, but just can’t seem to fix it…
Have a blessed weekend
@Hmmmmmmm………….Interesting and very insightful, I think you have posed some unique questions, that have some real implication of the real motive behind this situation.
Mrs. Cox did not “jump at every opportunity to dismantle the house that Col. Burch built” no, she endorsed him, in fact if Ewart Brown was still in office today i think she would still continue to play MUTE or COG in order to protect party before country.
Wow! I wonder how the plp are polling these days. Not so good they tell me. Have the plp finally self-destructed…?!
The PLP are doing just fine, persons are able to seen beyond this, and understand the hidden agenda behind this matter. People are intelligent and in time will pull it all together and understand why this is going on. SO do not get overly happy over this matter, as in time you may not feel the same way.
betty,
as mentioned in another post you are doing your beloved Party a true disservice by not revealing this mythical “hidden agenda” and letting everyone know the “truth.”
you would think that with all the negativity surrounding the issue that a die hard like you would be one of the first to reveal these “ulterior motives” with “hidden agenda” to shut up the critics that you have labelled as “racist haters” etc.
why wouldn’t you reveal such facts? i mean if you did everyone of these “haters” would have to retract their statements and offer an apology.
i just find it very interesting that you keep on insinuating “underhanded factors” but feel it is not necessary to share them with the taxpayers who have a right to know…there’s that transparency thing again
Tired, I don’t see any posts on here by “Betty”. Should I assume that you’re Charlie Swan, Craig Cannonnier? Why is it that you and others can post anonymously and it’s okay, but you demonise others who do the same thing?
On the Royal Gazette blog you’re accusing “Betty” of being LaVerne Furbert. Who are you? Remove your hoodie so that we can all see who you are.
Pretty sure specialgirl4u and Betty trump are pseodynms…So not really outing anyone…
People Who post under multiple aliases, of which this particular poster has admitted to in a previous thread, are even worse than those anonymous posters of which you want to reveal so very badly….wouldn’t u agree?
And as I don’t post on the RG I believe u might just be mistaken about my supposed accusations against you on that site…sorry to disappoint
Enjoy your weekend Ms. Furbert
Why are you so concern about who Betty or Specialgirl4 are? Most of all your OBA/UBP fans do not use their real names. Go and deal with them, and figure out who they are. Stop the nonsense, and look in mirror. You are not using your real name. It is so funny, that your upset that you do not really know who Specialgirl4 you is? Keep guessing as you have kept persons in the dark under that hood your wearing?
Laverne, as you well know, Betty is SpecialGirl. Everyone knows it.
@ OBA/UBP………….I would like to know Who and where is the man that wrote those fake checks?
Did he get charged for his wrong doings? Why has he been left out of this picture? He attempted to make two Ministers look bad? Whats up with this? I think you should follow the trail and see where it leads you. You might not like whats at the end of that road. ALso tell Mr. Richards and Dunkley to please please have that investigated as they love to have everything looked into? I need to know who was also behind this man’s actions? It it related to persons in the OBA/UBP ? Just asking???
Probably the same person who sent the bullet to Ewart Brown. How did that investigation end up anyway?
Nail and Head again Sandgrownan !!
Pwned.
“2003 – BHC
2007 – Cedar Beams
2012 – BLDC
It didn’t work in 2003, it didn’t work in 2007, and it won’t work in 2012. ”
well said, as soon as an election seems close out pops some sort of scandal which is never illegal but nevertheless is used to try and smear and defeat the elected govt, the plp – in the past black voters would fall for these tricks but not anymore.
There they go again…. PLP people blame everyone accept them selves. Now look at those poor blind loyalist claiming that there’s a hidden agenda. They criticize the black female auditor general, who they picked along with the governor and now the AG has a hidden agenda. One thing PLP are so arrogant they really really think their a good government… So they try to put the blame everywhere else. Well now people can see thru all that and are no longer being foolled. The PLP have failed. Get over it – The supporters are trying to put the blame everywhere else – it’s so unbelievable that it’s laffable. PLP u thought ciz you picked ms jacobs that she was gonna play along with your corruption?? Well it ain’t happening!!!’ you guys are so so so ridiculous one can only shake their head! (thats my people for you! Actually it embarrassing)
I’m sorry – I don’t see the PLP blaming anyone for anything in their response.
Bermuda…we currently have the government we deserve…which ain’t much. How much more deceit can we take? Nepotism, cronyism, friends and family benefits, I’ll scratch your back and you scratch mine deals, conflicts of interest,unethical behavior, unprofessionalism, scapegoating, shooting the messenger, rash decision making, backtracking on decisions, lack of accountability,financial mismanagement,lack of vision, marginalisation of foreign born spouses of Bermudians,inability to rein in gun crime, loss of hope, loss of jobs, loss of opportunity, inability to grow tourism, cruise boats abandoning Bermuda,increasing duties, increased debt,failing businesses, increased home foreclosures, loss of rents, decreasing housing values. Need more? I can come up with another 50 failures of this ‘government’. No more….No more.
It’s most interesting that few, if any posters, are concerned about the cheques that were forged and that there has been no effort on the part of anyone to pursue that enquiry.
Maybe you all think that Minister Burgess and former Premier, Dr. Brown, deserve to have their reputation sullied.
I find it interesting that the AG (not Attorney General) showed little, if any concern about that. I wonder if the records of the AG’s office (Auditor General, not Attorney General) gives any indication about who paid for the former AG’s (Auditor General, not Attorney General) legal fees to Allan Dunch and Saul Froomkin. Maybe you all have forgotten that the former Auditor General had to need for a legal opinion.
I wonder what would happen if the current AG (Auditor General not Attorney General) felt the need for a legal opinion. Who would pay? The Governor? The Government? The AG (Auditor General, not Attorney Genera) our her personal funds. Or would we the taxpayer pay. Remember the only person who doesn’t pay taxes is the Governor.
Is that a ‘threat’ Laverne? Because we all see what you’re doing.
The cheques were produced by the Permanent Secretary Mr. Robert Horton at a press conference – why isn’t he being prosecuted?
Find who really sent the bullet and well then talk about the checks. You do agree a threat of that magnitude should be thwarted and the culprits brought to justice correct? Also it happened way before the checks. Au forget it tell Brown to give back the bullet very valuable these days you know?
LOL
The Keystone cops could have figured out that those cheques where fakes and as such must have been planted. I know I did and so did most people that I spoke with, if not most others.
Obviously they where made with the intent of having people think what the ‘planter’ felt and now most of us do … that some of our elected officials are not looking out for ‘we the peoples’ interests but rather their own.
Having said that, Whomever did that was wrong and should be investigated to the fullest. Then again maybe it was investigated to the same depth of some other questionable acts and the person was ‘exonerated’ of all blame. hmmmm lol
It has been a very interesting 24 hours since the report was released by the Auditor.
On behalf of all young people, I encourage bloggers to look at the big picture. 2 of our leading Bermudian professional females are being villified in the press. To make matters worse, the Auditor has commended the Premier and Minister of Finance for acting swiftly once the concerns were brought to her attention.
The solution – let’s try to be more focussed on the facts.
For BLDC, the Auditor thinks the payments were problematic. KPMG and Trott and Duncan think the actions were entirely in accordance with the laws governing the company. We have a clear difference of PROFESSIONAL OPINION. According to Stuart Hayward, we need to disagree without being diagreeable.
With respoect to legal fees paid by the public purse, lets be factual. Someone created a cheque and took deliberate actions to make it appear that the former Premier and current Minister was engaged in wrongdoing. The issue received the typical high profile reporting from the RG. They undertake legal action as Premier and Minister and the Public purse pays for it.
Is there any concern about the despicable act of the perpetrator by the posters or the Auditor??? (PS – did I hear that the alleged perpetrator is the brother-in-law of the news editor!!)
In my opinion, when we look at the substance of the issues they do not deseerve the level of hype that has persisted in the media over the past 24 hours – I am rminded that 24 hours is a long time in politics.
The Problem is Laverne… That if those two gentlemen wud have won their case for two mllion dlrs each they would not have paid the government back for the money that was taken. No one knew they took the money for their legal fees so I’m sure they thought they got away clean with it. There were even PLP supporters calling the everest radio talk show that didn’t believe the story minister burgess gave.. Clean up the act!!!
It’s not the auditor generals responsibility to make comments on the ministers legal matters. She is responsible for compliance of Bermudas finances – it’s the attorney generals duty to comment on those legal matters. Come on Laverne I don’t have to tell you that!
WOW, where is this man? Why did he do such an illegal act? Why was he not investigated with this case? I am just asking?
Is there any concern about the despicable act of the perpetrator by the posters or the Auditor???
simply put, 1998 is no coming back, the UBP of JWS is not coming back – there is only craig and atherden, crockwell, lightweights to be honest. The PLP is moving fwd. on to the next one.
The sad fact is, you are probably correct, and it’s because Bermudians are largely incapable of critical thought and are incapable of seeing past skin colour.
Bermuda was in a much better place socially in 1998 then we are today.
Once again the definition of “right and wrong” for the PLP hinges upon what is “legal and lawful”. Never any mention of “moral and ethical” because they know full well they would lose that debate. Furthermore, you can’t have it both ways. You can’t lavish praise upon yourself for taking swift actions to remedy a situation Premier Cox if there wasn’t a problem to begin with. So was there a problem or wasn’t there? Maybe not “legally” but morally surely.
On the topic of the intended recipients of the potential lawsuit outcome, why can’t the truth be stated upfront if indeed it is the truth? Why did RG report that when pointedly asked about whether the government or ministers would have received the money, the Premier refused to answer? If it was the government, why not say so? The “truth” does not need time for people to gather and “spin” a story…it stands on its own two feet. So by the very fact that we had to wait for such a simple answer either shows that a) this is indeed “spin” and a complete lie or b) the Premier didn’t know what the truth was and couldn’t answer. Either way, not a very good sign.
Finally, am I the only one sick and tired about hearing about the “good governace of MY administration”? I honestly believe that the Premier is genuinely in a tough spot and probably always wanted to do the right thing throughout her political career. But the facts are the facts. You didn’t do the right thing all throughout your political career. Were you not Finance Minister prior to it being YOUR administration? Your failure to stand up for what you know was right under the OTHER adminstration is not suddenly forgotten based on what you are now trying to correct under YOUR administration. The damage has been done and like it or not, you were part of it. Maybe just a cog, but remember every cog in a machine serves a purpose to make the machine work…and you certainly served yours.
@ theotherside
Interesting commentary. Let me try to assist.
The payments at BLDC were reviewed by 3 parties (Auditor, KMPG and Trott and Duncan). 2 parties conclude that the payments were acceptable. 1 party concludes that the payments were unacceptable. The final report states that the payments were unacceptable up front and provides the other information (about KPMG and Trott and Duncan) at the end of the report.
The same report commends the Premier for acting promptly when notified of the Auditors concerns. One of those immediate actions is to seek a refund of the payments.
In my OPINION, the Premier’s actions are entirely consistent. The Auditor General has an independent role to play in the review of government finances. Thus in this instance, the Premier responded to the Auditor’s insistence that the payments were unacceptable out of an abundance of caution, by asking for the amounts to be repaid. In effect, there can only be a request for the funds to be repaid as opposed to a demand since there is no basis in law for the repayments.
With respect to the Premier’s MY administration comment, I think a sporting analogy is appropriate. The Premier as Minister of Finance was one member of the team of 13 (vice captain) under Premier Brown. She had an important role to play but was not the ultimate decision maker. Thus when decisions were made she was one of 13 voices. At that point she was part of THE team.
Once the captain retired, she was promoted to team captain and chair of the selection committee (Premier and Minister of Finance). She now has influence on who will be part of the team (the Premier selects the Ministers) and significant impact on all team decisions since she chairs all meetings as Premier.
On the basis of my analysis, it is clear why the Premier can speak of THE adminstration (while she was Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance) and MY administration, now that she is Premier and Minister of Finance. As you note, she has a difficult task because she was part of the prior administration but now leads the new administration.
No matter our personal opinions, the Premier has more authority in her role as Premier and Minister of Finance! There is a clear distinction between her current level of influence and authority compared to when she served under Premier Brown.
Again, in my OPINION, when we reject these basic analyses, we show that we are not objective, which enhances the support for Premier Cox and the PLP in general.
I trust that i have been of assistance.
I don’t think you understand the role and influence of the finance minister.
Nor did Cog, unless she was simply willfully ignorant.
@ sandgrownan
Please help my understanding by explaining which part(s) of my post are incorrect.
I will help you get started by letting you know that the Constitution does not (contrary to various previous posts and media articles in recent years) give the Minister of Finance any veto authority over decisions made by Cabinet. If you think I am incorrect, please quote the section of the Constitution that supports your position.
I have also noted in previous posts that when you disagree, please explain the areas of disagreement rather then resort to one liners.
Don’t need to go that far, go look at the “about us” on the Government Portal (if it’s up that is).
The fundamental issue is that as FM, then and now, is that Cog had visibility into all financial matters. As such, she is an integral part, dare I say cog, in the failure of the PLP to manage public funds. Either she was willfully ignorant or complicit. One begs the question, had this not come to light publicly, would she have acted?
I’m going to question her basic integrity because I don’t think she would have acted. I also firmly believe this unethical but not illegal behaviour is the tip of the iceberg.
@ sandgrownan
Your post is not factual please ‘go that far’ with your explanation. What constitutional basis do you have for your comment? I think it is critical for us to establish a factual basis before launching into personal opinion.
The Audit report that you are referring to states that the Premier was made aware of the Auditor’s concerns in December 2010 and took prompt action (for which the Premier was commended by the Auditor General) which ultimately ended up with the entire board being replaced in May 2011. This was 10 months ago – long before the current report was made public in January 2012!!
How can you question the Premier’s integrity based on these facts??
Also, in my original post I indicated that whilst the Minister of Finance would be aware of all significant financial transactions, there is no veto power. Once Cabinet makes a decison all relevant Ministers must carry out the decision or resign.
Please ‘help my understanding’ by clearly expalaining ‘the role and influence of the Finance Minister’- no one liners please. I think all of us would like to be enlightened by you.
I just find it so interesting that both present and past Auditors, saw what i assume to be wrongdoings within the financial responsibilities of this party. Am i really supposed to believe that both of them are after the PLP? Can someone please tell me who chose Ms Matthews to be the Auditor General?
I am a black bermudian very much concerned with our present situation. I am too young to have experienced many of the wrongdoings by the past govt. But i can say that of lately, my country has become so enriched with racial frustration and verbal insults. We need to look at whats happening now, and start to plan for our (as a country) future. If we don’t, we may get exactly what it appears to me that some people want, a Bermuda just for Bermudians.
“No race is an island!”
There is of course an opportunity cost here too:
Why would any legitimate business person even consider investing in a country with a government as awful as this one?
The answer is of course not a single one and until this PLP government is dispatched, legitimate citizens will continue to get poorer.
@ Lady Scribbler
Not directly related but one of your posts above complains about driving around in a 12 year old car that needs attention while MPS drive around in shiny new cars!!
That statement is one of the ironies of Bermuda.
Ask yourself who sells the shiny new cars to government for Ministerial use (and police cars, GPs etc etc)!! None other than Bermuda Motors in many instances – aka Grant Gibbons and family. Add to that the Governor and Premier’s BMWs.
If there was any real attempt to ‘feather the caps of the PLP faithful’, many more government vehicles would be electric, as imported by MP Dennis Lister.
Like we who aren’t fooled by spin would forget the certain car dealership who is a well known contributor to the PLP’s war chest suddenly became the purveyor of GP1 , GP2 and many other cars/vans in and after December 1998 .
It was explained clearly by another poster a while back who gets the gov’t car supplier concessions, and in the old days people like the aforementioned dealer would have been excluded because their offerings were too expensive. Just like other (back then) suppliers were excluded , despite being known UBP supporters because their selection did not offer value for money to the taxpayer.
Besides the fact , your implied point is completely moot because other than the spoken of car importer there are no other viable ‘black owned’ dealerships , so what is gov’t supposed to do .. bring in their own vehicles ? Fail again .
@ zzzzzzz
Not so fast! The earlier post by Lady Scribbler was that the current government is purchasing new cars for MPs while she is driving around in a 12 year old car.
My basic point is quite simple. Who is benefitting the most from government Ministerial cars? None other than the Gibbons family – for all of them including the Governor’s car and GP1.
I can offer many comments about legitimate and sustained empowerment for person previously excluded from certain contracts but time does not permit.
Another question for you. Who do you think has benefitted from substantial government rents for commercisl properties in Hamilton over the past 10, 20, 30, 40 years?
I believe if you take the time to look you’ll see a whole lot of other cars in govt’s fleet that come from garages other than ‘The Gibbons Family’.
Bermuda Motors is not the only car importing agency on the island you know.
Besides , why did they have to buy that huge BMW anyway ? Would not another car brand have been suitable , and maybe more cost effective ?
I believe that ms scribbler’s point was more the fact that she was annoyed at the ever growing fleet of new GP cars while the taxpayers who fund them have to make cutbacks.
As for property rentals , it’s the exact same argument as for the car importers. Although there sppears to have been a few new black owned buildings in town come on line that are now getting a piece of the action. too .
Sorry to disappoint you @vote for me, but that is EXACTLY what Minister Burgess proposed within the last 6 months – it was vetoed by the chief mechanic as there is no expertise on the island to maintain them!
One word – scandalous.
It’s like ” we smoked but we didn’t inhale” lol hilarious
Bernews my comments are still being moderated they were made on the 28th for crying out load. I’m starting to think that there is a bais in your reporting as it seems your waiting for more news stories to push this one out of the way………..
LOL
So Bernews how is it the comment above is ok and not the two up futher posted on the 28th @ 258 and 303 are still being moderated. ……………………..
LOL