OBA: Government’s ‘Lack of Accountability’
One Bermuda Alliance MPs Bob Richards and Trevor Moniz have spoken about what they say is a lack of accountability in Government, with breaches of these rules appeared to not have have any consequences.
Mr. Richards said, “There are rules set up that goverrn the civil servants and their actions. The problem here is that breaches of these rules have no consequences. The Minister of Finance is trying to make people think that she is going to bring in new rules to make people be more accountable.”
“No new rules are necessary, rules have been there for many, many years,” said Mr. Richards. “The problem is not the absence of rules, the problem is that the rules have no consequences. Because nobody wants to enforce the penalties for breaking the rules. That is what the Auditor General is referring to.
Mr. Richards went on to speak about issues with tendering for contracts, including some no-bid contracts. He said these actions have caused millions of dollars in overruns, which was “caused by lack of proper procedure in giving the contracts in the first place.”
“The Cabinet Secretary in his remarks, was saying that any sort of meeting out of punishment has to be done in private. This to me is total nonsense,” said Mr Richards.
“This is the public’s money and if there have been rules that have been breached, the public needs to see that justice is done.”
“When we are dealing with the public’s money, the whole idea of things being done in secret just flies against all types of common sense and all rules of fairness.”
“So we don’t subscribe to what the Cabinet Secretary said that these things need to be done in secret. That is nonsense. Bermudians want to see that people who have broken the rules get their just desserts, and they want to see it done. They don’t want anything to be done behind closed doors,” said Mr Richards.
Mr Moniz said, “There seems to be a culture in this Government of a lack of accountability. This Government can’t even buy light bulbs honestly.”
“We have this ridiculous fiasco of installing light bulbs, and again it looks like it was a contract to somebodies buddy. Of course it is a complete waste of money, and what does the Premier do? The Premier intervenes to get the bad light bulbs taken out and the good light bulbs put back, and who pays and pays and pays?”
“The public pays through its nose on each occasion and who is accountable? No one is accountable. The Minister is not accountable, the contractor is not accountable.”
“It is like the story…the ‘ Titantic’ was sinking and the band played on,” said Mr. Moniz.
“….we had Derrick Burgess off in England at the Conservative Party conference of all things. This is what our tax payers money is going towards, while there are no transparency or accountability in this Government, there is no enforcement of the rules.”
“People’s friends and family are aboard the gravy train as Bermuda goes down the tubes,” said Mr. Moniz.
On the recent Andre Curtis trial, Mr. Moniz — who is a lawyer — said, “Even though the criminal prosecution failed, there should be a civil action to recover those funds from Mr Curtis.”
“But what it laid bare, was a culture within the civil service of ignoring all the rules.”
“…to my view all of those civil servants should probably be fired, but the question is have they been punished at all. If I saw some form of punishment I would think something was going on, but you see nothing happening at all.”
Mr Moniz continued: ”And then to receive, to get this garbage from the Cabinet Secretary about protocols of confidentiality — to the man on the street — is just another cover up.”
“But what the Andre Curtis trial really revealed, is just how rotten this Government is unfortunately. And of course fish rots from the head, and once it rots from the top you see it all down…”
Yawn!
Next thing, sky is falling.
What are we shouting about today again?
Some people watch things happen, some make things happen while others wonder what happened. You are in the latter category.
Unfortunately PLP supporters care nothing about this. It’s all about pay-back with PLP. It’s almost like honesty with PLP is a weakness.
Paula Cox has preached about how vital accountabilty is, she has yet to back it up.
C’mon OBA. You were asked about Solutions. One solution is the creation of an independent Contractor General to stop all the “no-bid” jobs and all the other massive overspending going on in the procurement of contracts.
The suppression of truth is tantamount to treachery when supported from the top . The Cost Of Goods , better known as COG , doesn’t quite add up . We demand answers .
Good one
Craig are you in charge of the OBA or are the 2 UBP flip floppers in charge? I’m starting to think if the OBA win they will change the name back to the UBP within 12 months.
Who Cares what they are called , anything is better than what is in charge now .
When you talk about the ’2 UBP flip floppers’, I guess you must mean the 2 ex-UBP MP’s (including one ex-UBP leader) now in the PLP? Are they ‘in charge’ of the PLP? Is the PLP really the UBP with a new name?
For 30 years PLP couldn’t wait to be the new UBP. And they have succeded big time. OBA will never be the new PLP. PLP are done.
Thanks barracuda… Nuff said!
Rules and laws are opressive .. Neither the PLP or their hardcore like them. For them ,going back to ‘good governance’ with rules and accountability is tantamount to returning to the plantation.
Trevor and Bob are preaching to the choir . Heaven hopes the swing voters come to their senses in the next election .
And to ‘ barracuda ‘ a big +1
Why not take these issues up with the Governor?
UBP tactics as usual;-)
OBA is a JOKE
Well, stop askin and do frekin sumtin……………..
We have, many times. He’s in cahoots with the Party Loving’ Party!! Or on a l-o-n-g vacation. Useless twit.
Would be nice if could split the island in half. One side can be for all those that want to be blindly led by a government who ‘looks like them.’ The other side can choose their leaders based on something sensible.
Your suggestion assumes the Island isn’t already split.What do you do on 24th of May, Queen’s Birthday, Labour Day? The answers to those questions will tell you that the place is split already. Look around.
“The people are entitled to know what has happened to the peoples money.” How can you argue with that?
Since some of u who have your ears to the ground know what happened to the money, just tell the rest of us, or calling for a royal commission is easier so their are no law suits.
The Hotels are dying, we are facing the worst winter EVER in Bermuda for Tourism (just ask ANY hotelier)…..and now we want to DELAY gaming by putting it to a referendum ? By the time that happens, more people will be out of work, more restaurants and shops closed and YES probably at least one or two of the few remaining hotels will go BROKE. Then Bermuda is closer to social unrest and chaos. Gaming needs to be resolved within 60 days. We just witnessed another year go by without a plan for Tourism. How many business people are saying, “We are hanging on by our fingernails” ??
This is a crisis, has been for years…….The Politicians of the PLP and OBA need to LEAD and pass Gaming for our resort hotels within the next 60 days. If both sides say they CARE about Bermuda, Bermuda jobs, and revitalizing tourism, they will DO THE RIGHT THING.
Hotels need to offer OPTIONS for guests. DEVELOPERS need to raise $$$$ to build hotels. Banks will not lend money for hotel development under the current BERMUDA HOTEL MODEL……The proof is in the fact that we see NO NEW HOTELS being built. Lots of promises, but no new hotels! If Bermuda does not change the GOAL POSTS fast, none of us will see any new development for years to come and certainly not in my lifetime
If Bermuda was being attacked by an enemy force would the PLP and OBA say that we need a referendum to decide whether or not to defend ourselves ? OF COURSE NOT. We are under economic attack, the likes of which Bermuda has never faced. A lot of it our OWN doing. Bermuda: “We cannot afford to waste another year, month, week or day”.
Bermuda needs leadership like NEVER before.
SINGAPORE turned their economy around and so can BERMUDA.
Gaming and entertainment is not the ONLY answer to saving BERMUDA TOURISM but it is an OPTION that will provide fun and excitement for visitors and locals. It will also bring much needed revenue for hotels that face very high operating costs in Bermuda. Electricity in Bermuda is about the most expensive in the world as is the Internet, labor costs, food costs etc. Without other revenue streams resort hotels in Bermuda stand to go the way of the DODO bird. Many convention planners bypass Bermuda because of the lack of hotel amenities such as entertainment and gaming.
• Gaming: Grant hotel gaming licenses. Singapore Model (Locals can only gain access via membership that is $1000 per annum) All casinos must provide LIVE entertainment
• Manage Bermuda Tourism via a TOURISM AUTHORITY.
• Abolish Term Limits – only caveat required is Bermudians always come first !
• REAL ESTATE POLICY is currently punitive and discriminatory for ALL Bermudians. OPEN MARKETS work best
• Change the tax policy on foreign/local real estate purchases so that you PAY on the way out/sale, not on the way in !
• GIVE FOREIGN INVESTORS who put more than $ 50 Million into Bermuda a Bermuda Passport (A cap of 10 new passports per year for 5 years: that will bring in $ 2.5 BILLION !)
• Give investors who put more than $ 10 million into local businesses a PRC
• Allow LEAR JETS free landing at LF WADE when bringing folks on holiday
• Allow foreign yachts the right to stay in Bermuda waters for one year
• Allow locals to bring their yachts into Bermuda for a period of one year without tax ( many keep them in the islands i.e Bahamas as visitor tax is only $ 250 per year)
• Build a CONVENTION and PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
• Build a fabulous HAMILTON Waterfront: Sir John Swan’s video
• Have a DEFINITIVE friendly policy for all investors in Bermuda that includes Immigration, schools, nannies, personal assistants etc
• MORGANS POINT : This has to be the BIG ONE, like Atlantis has been for the BAHAMAS.
• Create a great ALL INCLUSIVE Resort on the SONESTA BEACH site
• Encourage more boutique cottage colonies
• CUT COMPLEX: This is a fabulous development that should be embraced ASAP
• Create fun activities like Permanent Beach Volleyball/Beach Tennis courts and Beach Soccer behind the sand dunes at Horseshoe Bay.
• Widen TOWN CUT: St. George’s is dying !
• Revitalize the Dockyard by restoring the VICTUALLING YARD buildings with shops, entertainment and activities. Spruce up the whole area with decent lighting at night, security, buskers etc.
• Provide proper public transportation services for visitors. Fast Ferry service to and from dockyard until Midnight especially when the ships are here.
Do NOT allow Cruise ships to operate casinos in port OR allow the main floor shows/entertainment on board ! Cruise ship visitors must we offered options for on island entertainment. In the old days of the 40 Thieves, Clay House Inn, Empire Room, the only way these establishments survived was with the support of the cruise ships. Everyone made money. NOW only the cruise ships make money!
ZERO tolerance for criminal activity. Tough measures are needed. (Singapore has zero tolerance and almost zero crime. Bermuda is only 21 sq miles and there is no excuse for how out of control some people are, and so we must protect our future by dealing with CRIME/GANGS and lawless citizens)
Restore a code of behavior for ALL schools – no exception
All of the above can happen BUT it needs INVESTORS. Investors (local or foreign) will only invest in BERMUDA if we truly welcome them and make them feel good, safe and respected. The Government must provide the framework for the private sector to thrive.
REMEMBER if we do the right thing Bermuda, we will see prosperity for all. You do not grow and economy by shrinking the work force.
A RISING TIDE LIFTS ALL BOATS (ATLANTIS in the BAHAMAS lifted the fortunes of many there – Bermuda needs a similar lift!)
The aphorism “a rising tide lifts all boats” is associated with the idea that improvements in the general economy will benefit all participants in that economy, and that economic policy, particularly government economic policy, should therefore focus on the general macroeconomic environment first and foremost.
There is a very distinct possibility that the economic troubles in Europe/World will deepen
Italy is a HUGE threat at this very moment, possibly even bigger than Greece
Sarkozy is trying to raise 8 BILLION Euros in taxes…….
Berlusconi could well resign
The Middle East is in turmoil
Spain has massive unemployment (nearly 50% of people under 25 are unemployed)
There is the Occupy Wall Street Movement in the USA
Many Governments that have BLOATED civil services are resorting to TAXING the PEOPLE to get their way out of trouble, when it is the size of many Governments in the world that must be trimmed.
Boated civil services force governments to reduce services to the people and we have seen that happen in Bermuda, and continue to see this escalating.
THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR BERMUDA.
Bermuda needs capital. Bermuda needs investment. NOW is the time to implement a policy to welcome foreign capital and private wealth as I have outlined below.
In addition Bermuda must cut Government expenditure and cut payroll taxes to restore a competitive edge for offshore businesses. It is a delicate balance. Government excesses must be trimmed.
Tourism can only be restored when you build the product. All Developers must be given special concessions and tax relief in order to attract development. When the world is undergoing seismic financial change, Bermuda must step up and welcome investment and the wealthy to this island. Make Bermuda safe and attractive and the money will come. Bermuda’s reputation is not great as policies have chased investors/business/hotels/people away. It will take a BOLD comprehensive plan that signals to the world that we are serious about a new path for this beautiful island paradise. If we stay on the current path we face serious issues in this country and that could result in a Paradise Lost. Government changes are slow and akin to Chinese water torture. The sooner a broad bold plan is announce to Bermuda and the world the sooner we can see a turnaround. This is no time in world history for Bermuda to be caught behind the 8 ball.
It is great to see that someone has an actual coherent plan. While I may agree with some of your points and disagree with some others, the fact remains that you have actually taken a great deal of time to develop your thoughts and record them. Too bad they couldn’t handle having you involved in tourism. I guess your effort levels and ability to make a logical arguement made the slackers getting paid the big bucks look too bad.
Agreed @ Great job! I thank Mr Brannon for giving this issue a lot of thought and producing a list of viable options. I don’t agree with all of them but they make a lot more sense that 1) Islamic Financing 2) Middle Eastern Air Links and the other nonsense that is being currently promoted. Mr. Brannon have you made an attempt to put forth your ideas to Wayne Furbert? While I don’t believe Mr. Furbert has a Tourism Plan, I do hope that he has the wisdom to not be arrogant and at least listen to you, something I don’t believe Mrs. Minors was prepared to do.
Can we get off the GAMING Tip for a minute? Who are being targetted to come to Bermuda and spend in excess of $300 per night to gamble? If we are talking about the North Eastern Seaboard, why wouldn’t they drive to the nearest Indian Reservation Casino which more are being built as we speak? Do you really want a Government as incompetant and financially irresponsible to be anywhere near the Casino project? What plans are being developed to address the negative criminal, social implications that are inextricably linked with these projects? Did Bermuda learn anything when we had gambling? Did some gamblers resort to stealing to pay off gambling debts? Did some banks have to foreclose on some gamblers? Can we stick to the basic tourism product that works: Clean country, updated properties, local entertainment; creative and fun activities, affordable prices and a country that wants to embrace its visitors by providing friendly and safe environment.
But what the Andre Curtis trial really revealed, is just how rotten this Government is unfortunately. And of course fish rots from the head, and once it rots from the top you see it all down…”
Vile attacks gets you no where accept a seat at the opposition table, regardless of your name OBA or UBP..this behavior may energize your base but it turns off other voters..also if you win the next election you will more than likely have the same civil servants that you are disrespecting today…I am sure mature intelligent men like yourselves can represent your views, in a more appropriate manner
Mr. Brannon, I feel your pain but you will not get any relief from this Administration. Why? Because the OBA/UBP/RG have scared all of the boldness out of them. Imagine, what masquerades as “bold” these days are words like “will consider”, “will look at”, “will examine”. That’s the extent of boldness now. Why? Because until you clear your plan for breaking the established rules in the name of progress and saving this country it will go nowhere. Clear it with whom you may ask? Why with HM the Auditor General of course (who seems to be doing everything except auditing these days), and with the OBA/UBP/RG. Until they say you are permitted to do what every other entity trying to survive is doing then you can kiss your action plan goodbye. Good ideas mean nothing in this climate its all about process.The bold guy has exited stage left and having seen how he has bee treated don’t expect anyone to stand for anything. “They” have this Administration right where “they” want them: stuck. What’s the proof? Every bad idea has an owner. Faith Based Tourism is all Dr. Brown. The cruise dock and TCD all Dr. Brown. But what about Mirrors that everyone’s so desperate to save? Did that just beam down from Mars ? Afraid not, the evil one is responsible for that too but you’d never know it. Mirrors has no owner; the Gazette has NEVER printed from whence the idea came. And you wonder why there’s no boldness? I feel you Brannon but it ain’t gonna happen.
This does not look any different. The OBA promised a different political party for Bermuda. Instead, this appears to be more of the same. Same cabinet members now acting as OBA. All which are representative of the UBP. There appears to be a higher number of UBP MPs that make up the OBA cabinet. WHile, there are far fewer members of UBP members that have crossed over to the PLP. Also, the PLP does not have members who have switched between three political parties within one year. It is not uncommon for persons to switch from one political party to another.
Where is the change that OBA spoke of during the formation of the party? I was looking for a change, but see little if any. I was considering listening to the direction of the party. But so far, I do not see much of a change. As a middle class swing voter, it is not what I was expecting from the OBA. The media sound bites/press release, also sound like a response the UBP would have given. They have failed to provide ideas and solutions, but rather look as if they are aiming to see how and in what ways they can ” attack the government”. (OBA have failed to separate themselves from the UBP, maybe difficult to do, as the Cabinet remains the same !!).
We are in difficult times, people are interested in solutions, no hot-shots at the government. The reply should have included real solutions to real problems, and how as a party UBP/OBA could contribute to moving this country forward. Instead, the UBP/OBA have taken on the same old position of “what can I get them on, to flatten their ideas or policies”? This will not move Bermuda forward, nor will a vote for the OBA/UBP if this is the road they are taking. Come on if you say your not going to take part in politics of yesterday, please clean up your act. Or is this win at any measure!!