Swan: ‘How Can Taxpayers Trust Gov. Ability?’

July 25, 2012

How can Bermudian taxpayers trust in the Government’s ability to manage its finances when it is “obvious that Ministers can perform their daily duties in any manner that suits them” and are not held accountable, asked UBP MP Charles Swan.

Mr Swan was speaking about matters revealed in the Public Accounts Committee [PAC] report tabled on July 20, which detailed a number of issues with both the Global Hue Advertising Agency and the Bermuda Land Development Company Ltd. that occurred in 2008 and 2010.

Mr Swan said that the PAC Report “should be welcomed by not only the Bermudian public, but also by the government and all of the affected parties. Anyone who states that, and sincerely cares for, the betterment of our island, and values the resources we have and create, would wish these to be cared for and properly managed.”

“This report highlights instances where this has not occurred, and the need for our elected officials to be accountable for their actions,” said Mr Swan.

“Former Director of sales and Marketing Glen Bean, a 20 year veteran in tourism, is to be commended for his actions in revealing episodes of wrongdoing.

“How much has Bermuda’s public purse been affected through the ‘pay off’ of the Director of Sales and Marketing at the BDOT and other public servants?

“The PAC report clearly demonstrates how Ministerial influence can adversely affect the operations of departments and Ministries. The PAC report also clearly sets out how Ministerial influence can adversely affect the public purse – the examples are irrefutable.

“How can a Minister refuse a directive from his superior colleague, and Bermuda’s Premier, and not be held accountable? It’s inconceivable, to me, that accountability of Ministers in this government, manifests itself by being transferred to another Ministry. Any person who truly cares about Bermudians and their welfare would have resigned long ago.

Mr Swan continued: “The issue of trust rears its head. How can the Bermudian taxpayer have trust in the Government’s ability to manage its finances? It is obvious that Ministers can perform their daily duties in any manner that suits them, and when that manner is not in accordance with standing orders, and costs the taxpayer excessively, they are not held accountable.

“The issues specifically concerning a currently serving member are particularly galling. The same minister who ignored technical officers advice regarding lighting at Global House is implicated in the BLDC consultancy agreement, and other examples of influence peddling at this Quango.

“This Minister has repeatedly put his own interests ahead of those of Bermuda and its people. It’s a pity that elected officials can not be fired…

“Bermudians, having paid hard earned dollars to this government, deserve more respect than it appears this government, and in particular that former Minister, can offer,” concluded Mr Swan.

In response a PLP spokesperson said: “Has Charlie Swan been paying attention in the House of Assembly? Over the last two years, we’ve passed landmark good government reforms. These good government reforms have strengthened whistleblowers, increased contracting transparency, created more oversight of contracting, put into place stricter requirements for contract tendering and much more.

“Like his friends in the OBA, Charlie Swan offers no ideas and no solutions for addressing Bermuda’s problems. While the PLP instituted the most sweeping Good Government reforms in Bermuda’s history, Charlie Swan and the opposition sat back and attacked, attacked and attacked. They offered no substance, no ideas and no solutions. Just negativity.”

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Comments (41)

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  1. Voting Swan says:

    We are so fortunate in South Hampton we have a choice. We have Mr. Swan – don’t have to vote for OBA Crockwell nor PLP. Voting Swan

  2. Bermuda Jane says:

    Those naysayers that Swans can’t make a difference, they speak out and speak right for us Bermudians. Recall the Patry of 1 (Dame Lois Browne-Evans) went on to win government in 1998.

    Swans have Party 2 – places Bermudians 1st not party nor friends 1st.

  3. Rice n Beans says:

    My household will be voting for Swan.

  4. Bewildered says:

    So the PLP response is that now the monies have gone, the public shouldn’t worry because we have tightened up the Regulations and Laws. It won’t make a difference though because there were Regulations and Laws in place but they were ignored and we can’t be bothered to have them enforced.

    The solution is to prosecute those found to have breached the Regulations and Laws and have these monies returned, plus seizure of assets, under the Proceeds of Crimes Act.

  5. Rockfish #2 says:

    The PLP did take steps to introduce “good government reforms” etc.(over the last two years?) However, it was AFTER the treasury was diminished under the watch of the present Finance Minister, who has held that position for much longer than the two years in question.

    The horse has bolted!

    • Swing Voter says:

      MAKE THEM PAY, VOTE OBA! Swan is a good guy but a vote for Swan is one less vote toward a change in government.

      • Stuck in const 31 says:

        Regretfully , as long as const. 31 has Swan AND and an OBA rep the PLP will be given this seat.
        What used to be a reasonably close call for the UBP will now be split amongst people who don’t know which to vote for but will not vote PLP. Thus the PLP will take this seat.

        A word of advice to both the OBA and the Swans because the same applies in Kim’s constituency.

        * Get together with each other and decide who will run as the opposition in those areas. If you both run you’re giving the seat to the PLP and we will never achieve the change that is needed.*

        Three does not go into two.

        • Swing Voter says:

          sad that ego may win out to rationale….and BDA gets burned for another 4 years

          • The nitty gritty says:

            As good a man as each Swan is, the times demand thinking of the country not the individual.
            If you both run as UBP, you will cost two valuable seats and cause unending ill will from the people you purport to represent.
            Even the longest serving UBP past MPs and Cabinet agree it is time to put this to bed.
            If it is a job you want I will call you after The OBA get in. With the renewed hope, I will take the risks of renewed investment.

  6. Unbelievable says:

    If it wasn’t for the foolishness going on with the current government and their mismanagement of funds, there wouldn’t be a need for “the most sweeping Good Government reforms in Bermuda’s history”. The horse is already out the barn now you wanna close the gate huh????

  7. oh boy says:

    So much for good governence and reform!

    If this government had any b@lls it would be prosecuting such offenders to the full extent of the law.

    All words,little action, but no conequences for those who have already stolen from the public purse.

    Get tough! Fire, prosecute and convict the thieves of Bermuda!

    • Keepin' it Real...4Real! says:

      if u saw Barack Obama…or Queen Elizabeth commiting a crime …who do you go to for action to be taken ….think about it and post your answer here…im very interested to hear your replies….
      (to b cont.)

      • terry says:

        Richard Nixon comes to mind.

        • Keepin' it Real...4Real! says:

          oh yeah..? Richard Nixon ..? good luck trying to tell him …

      • No way says:

        Well in the US the house of representatives would have to vote to impeach and then the senate would conduct a trial with the supreme court chief of justice presiding.

        With regards to the Queen, it is the royal prerogative that royalty can do no wrong. It would need a change in the constitution of the UK to accommodate such a matter should it ever come to light.

      • holllllaarr!!! says:

        Queen Elizabeth would have to be outside of Her various jurisdictions to be accused of a crime, and in her very extremely rare position of Queen of England she would probably receive diplomatic ammunity, like wise in the case of BArrack Obama who presides over all te\he states and related land holds the same regard as the Queen, please try another example, after all we have no business with the really BIG BYES!!to answer your question, where exactly would we be in the world together when I see this event? Especially when the actual police who we report crimes to would most likely be surround the Queen and the President.. So if I , little me saw that crime I would probably second guess or research what I actually thought I saw!think about it?

        • Keepin' it Real...4Real! says:

          y’all round n round the mulberry bush ….the answer is NO ONE…NO ONE would even entertain the fact jus as you have shown me here ….mission accomplished.
          you still cant see the relativity can you ….

          • Argosy says:

            Yes, simply accept the unethical deeds.

            Are we supposed to be happy to have an unethical government governing us?

            Some of us knew this would be the result after 1998 and we have been proved right. Others wanted to “give them a chance” – they blew it.

            Yet others are still in denial! For real, indeed!!

          • Pastor Syl Hayward says:

            @ Keepin’it Real…4Real!: Nixon was impeached. Obama would be impeached as well if he were found to have committed a criminal act. For sure, he would not be able to serve in a public position again. The Queen is not in a position to rob the public purse, she doesn’t have access.

            Do you consider Burgess, Brown, et al, to be in the same category? PUH-LEEESE. Delusions of grandeur indeed!

  8. iiiiiiiiiiiii says:

    viva la swan

  9. Justin says:

    “Over the last two years, we’ve passed landmark good government reforms.”

    This is like fixing the leak in a boat after it has already sunk. Sorry, not good enough. Time for a change in management.

  10. Ricky says:

    I agree Justin – Time for change.

  11. Flikel says:

    In my opinion, the laws of Bermuda need to be updated in an attempt to stop behavior such as this.

    We can all talk and point fingers. OBA and UBP supporters accuse the PLP, and provide examples, of alleged financial mismanagement and corruption.
    PLP supporters accuse the past UBP government, and provide examples, of alleged financial mismanagement and corruption.

    Yet, no government MP has ever been prosecuted for these alleged crimes. The reason is simple, no laws were broken so no crimes were committed.

    Regardless of which party is in power, the same ‘criminal’ behavior will continue. Again, the opposition party/parties will cry foul and nothing will be done.

    If the UBP, PLP, OBA were truly concerned with eliminating such behavior, they will take the bold step to introduce meaningful legislation that has consequences if violated.

    But no party will do this, because every parliamentary candidate dreams of the day they will become an MP….and it will their turn to put their hand in and steal from the cookie jar, without any consequences.

  12. Charlie Swan says:

    To All, As far as being a candidate I’ll rest any case I may have, except to say that I truly believe in Service…Above Self. I’ll fight and be a voice for the Constituents of Southampton West Central (#31), and the citizens of the island we all call home, on the tough issues of the day that affect either those Constituents and individuals, or the collective. Let me add that operating from a basis of Principle is in my heart, and can be applied anywhere. Thats my promise as the incumbent representative. I can be reached any time….24 (hours a day) /7 (days a week) / 365 (days of the year).
    The issues involving the Bermuda Department of Tourism AND the Bermuda Land Development Company are serious ones. They concern undue Ministerial influence, ignorance and/or avoidance of Standing Instructions, and ignorance and/or avoidance of the stipulations enshrined in Acts that govern the performance of Ministers and officials of Government. The actions highlighted in the report of the Public Accounts Committee affect us all, in dollar terms as un-budgeted dollars that have contributed to the debt increase, as well as in social terms – the actions of our leaders ‘trickle down’ to contribute to our own behaviour as well as our sense of well-being. It is notable that at least two of the ‘participants’ in the issues raised by the Public Accounts Committee are candidates in the next General Election – making positive reference that any existing and new laws (e.g. Good Governance, Public Access to Information etc.) will be adhered to a bit meaningless! Elected ‘officials’ must not only DO the right things, they must also BE SEEN TO BE doing the right things.

    • Hmmmmm says:

      Mr. Swan, on what basis are you satisfied with the findings of the Public Accounts Committee? Did they speak to anyone other than this guy from tourism? Does he just get to come and say what he has to say and then it becomes fact? What kind of kangaroo committee is this if they don’t at least do something thorough? You sir, are perpetuating the ignorance of the people and endorsing the sloppy work of this Committee by also accepting one side of this story as fact. I know this is Bermuda, but even here there is something called natural justice. Regrettably I am not your constituent because i would relish the opportunity to vote for one of the other two clowns running against you.

      • Shaking the Head says:

        Are you aware that the PLP is represented on the PAC and signed off on their findings? Your comments shows that you have equal disdain for the PLP as for the “other parties”. Your ignorance is clear.

    • Stuck in const 31 says:

      Charlie , as I said above , get together with the OBA and decide which ONE candidate will run against the PLP. You OR Crockwell . If you’re both foolish enough to run the seat will go to the PLP. Simple as that. You loose , OBA loose , Bermuda looses. Fck your ego and all the bs about principals etc.
      Take your blinders off and do what’s right for the island.
      You and Kim running along with OBA candidates will set us back another 10 years.
      We simply do not have the time anymore to grandstand. I can only hope that the other constituents of 31 can see clearly what will happen and the numbers will be on the side of the OBA. As much as I dislike the thought of voting for Crockwell as a person my vote will be wasted on you. I have to think of Bermuda first. And so should you.

      • 1 man vote says:

        Charlie stay strong, don’t wimper to the OBA – they are not the ones, we can’t trust any of them. I have know Mr. Charlie Swan for years and he’s as selfless as they come. He gives back to the community more than any Barritt or Dunkleys has – he gives where it counts and is committed to all Bermuda not just the rich.

        • Stuck in const 31 says:

          I also happen to agree that Charlie , and Kim for that matter , are great guys. But you do understand the no win political conundrum that exists with both a UBP and OBA rep running in these areas ?

  13. Pastor Syl Hayward says:

    I am inclined to agree with ‘stuck in const.31′. Since the OBA is already considered to be a revamped UBP, (even though those who know, know that it isn’t), it would make very good sense for the OBA to come to an agreement with the Swans, and to not run a candidate in the constituencies where they are running. With Bermuda’s finances in such deep disarray and all the attendant social ills we are facing, it is imperative that we have a change of government. The combined Opposition may need to become the combined Government so that we can turn this ship around before it finally sinks beneath the waves.

    • Rotarian says:

      Mr. Swan, we support you and your honest decision to run for the party that elected you.

  14. Shaking the Head says:

    Not being in C 31 my comment probably means nothing, but I’ll say it. Vote for the person who has shown he has the voters’ interests at heart, has shown himself to be worthy of support and has come out publicly to highlight and provide solutions, regardless of the party he represents. Vote for the person you think will do the best job for Bermuda and Bermudian voters.

    • Mad Dawg says:

      The problem with this is that, while we all agree it’s not the PLP, there are two otherwise viable options in the area. This creates the risk that the PLP wins it because all other votes are split. Swan should bow out gracefully to ensure this doesn’t happen.

  15. The nitty gritty says:

    All the principals and feel good pronouncements don’t add up to thing.
    If this Island is under the control of money hungry paid professional politicians
    who enjoy the same status as bankers of late, then we are lost.
    The Swans are propping up a lost cause, no matter how decent they are as individuals.
    To continue down the road they are, is to take away all hope for turning around this politically
    orchestrated financial disgrace.
    Can you two fine young men really live with that?

  16. Mad Dawg says:

    I live in C31 and I am a voter. Mr Swan should join the OBA. He is a good guy and he would probably have been the candidate in the area. As things are, he may well cause the PLP to win the seat. If that happens, I will blame him.

    • Crazy Horse says:

      @maddawg – you need to blame your MAD crazy, power hungry under any circumstances OBA executives. If they were smart, they would not run any candidates against any of the SWANS – both Swans’ are respectable, honest, law abiding citizens – to run an inexperience bartender and previously drug convict is plain and simply MAD…. so place the blame where it belongs, hear.

      • Stuck in const 31 says:

        Can’t really disagree with anything you said there. If the OBA bows out of these areas at least the public will be able to focus on an ‘either,or’ and I would have a great deal of respect for that decision.
        At least the best outcome would be that in combination the OBA and the UBP would hold more seats than the PLP and we would have some sort of a coalition government.

  17. Cranberry says:

    Go Somerset!!!