Minister Comments: CURB’s Charitable Status
Saying that “recent public comments have been made questioning why CURB’s recent application to renew their charitable status was not approved by the Charity Commissioners,” the Ministry of Home Affairs said the charitable status of CURB has been deferred, following the organization’s application for re-registration on June 13, 2014. CURB’s status as a registered charity expired on July 10, 2014
A Ministry spokesperson said, “At their meeting on July 10, 2014, the Commissioners considered the application by CURB to re-register as a charity and decided to defer it pending answers to several queries pertaining to their application.
“Those queries were made in light of the Commissioners’ efforts over recent months to strengthen good governance within the charitable sector of Bermuda.
“A deferral is not a rejection. In fact, the Commissioners regarded the work undertaken by CURB to be charitable and worthy of registration. However, efforts at securing internal good governance has been a priority in recent years by the Commissioners.
“Once CURB has made efforts to answer these queries in a satisfactory manner, their application will not be considered afresh, which should allow for all due expedition.
“It is also important to note that it is the Commissioners and they alone who collectively take all decisions related to charity applications. The Minister of Home Affairs and his staff only become involved when those aggrieved by the decisions of the Commissioners wish to make an appeal.”
Minister of Home Affairs Michael Fahy said: “The Commissioner needed greater clarity on CURB’s banking signatories. At present, the Commissioners require two board members to jointly sign off on all financial transactions. No documentation from CURB’s bank authenticating this fact was provided.”
The Minister added: “The dissolution clause, which governs how a charity’s assets are to be dealt with on its dissolution, needed to be amended to ensure that assets are distributed to a registered charity in good standing. This has been the Commissioners’ policy since February 2012, and which is reflected in the language of the Charities Act 2014.”
The Minister also noted that the Commissioners “required a greater breakdown of financial information submitted, which is consistent with the Commissioner’s efforts to be able to meaningfully analyze whether a charity meats the public benefit test, as required under the Charities Acts of 1978 and 2014.”
“The Commissioners would also take this opportunity to remind all charities of the need to submit applications for re-registration at least 2-3 months in advance of their expiration date as a charity so as to allow the Registrar-General, his staff and the Commissioners to perform its important regulatory role,” a spokesperson said.
Minister of Home Affairs Michael Fahy said: “The Commissioner needed greater clarity on CURB’s banking signatories. At present, the Commissioners require two board members to jointly sign off on all financial transactions. No documentation from CURB’s bank authenticating this fact was provided.”
Now this is rich coming from a man who is presently embroiled in a shady banking fiasco that is now under investigation !
The law is the law.
Apartheid was a LAW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ya all full off S— !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Same tactic de Oligarchy did when they pulled mortgages !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So the Charity compliance laws are equal to Aparthied. GET A GRIP
Except the World has,thankfully, moved on ( just as Prima Nocte was once, but no longer is, a law). This two signature requirement is simply an industry standard, globally accepted, control that supports good governance and protects the cash that well meaning benefactors have donated to the charity. So why the hate?
Let’s face it there have always been good and bad laws. This one seems good, yes? And I would add, could easily be complied with by less than an hours effort by the charity’s Treasurer.
What on Earth is the issue here?
Wow…hypocrite.
Good!!!!!! Not a charity at all, mouthpiece for the Plp!!!!
Minister Fahy rejected the status of several charities. In these hard economic times, one would think the government would welcome any organization shouldering the burden of assisting the community. Not the case with the OBA. Proof positive that this government has ZERO empathy for the plight of the less fortunate.
FYI OBA….not everybody has the good fortune to be born with a silver spoon in their mouth.
Charities have a duty to manage the funds they receive in a responsible and accountable manner. Guidelines are in place to insure this happens. Everyone in Bermuda has an interest in making sure these standards are adhered to..especially those who donate and those that benefit. This is even more important in these hard economic times you refer to. Your characterization of the process is short sighted and incorrect.
I’m not disputing what you’re saying in the leaat. However, the government doesn’t have the resources to help its own people.
They should be embracing the charities, not making it more difficult for them.
I agree, as long as the organization is really charity, as is run properly. Otherwise anyone would be able to set up and call themselves a “charity”.
First of all Danielle. I would say based on the response that CURB gave regarding Ms. Burns sign, I would say that they not “Against Racism”…just certain types.
Second of all, what was asked of CURB was the same that is asked of All Charities! Its not difficult to get or do and it is not a surprise. You are told what is expected of you! If any charity is unable to follow the same basic instructions, then how can they be trusted to use the publics money effectively?
Finally, believe it or not Charities have been used in the past to hide the funds of illegal activity. I’m not saying this is what is going on here in Bermuda, but it is one of the reasons why we have the laws we have.
They are not making anything more difficult. The rules are the rules – and the charities know them!
How would you know that? Unlike you, I have firsthand information that he IS making it more difficult. I do a lot of charity work, and my parents (and other relatives) sit on some of the boards. Minister Fahy is not very sympathetic when it comes to charity.
I can’t speak about CURB, and how they operate, but when you have charities that bend over backwards to give the government the info they need, and they STILL give you a hard time it becomes rather intolerable. I’m not talking about CURB specifically (so put your emotions away) I’m talking about agencies that are helping poor families and sick children.
I understand that the agencies need to be held accountable, but when you have workers throwing their hands up in frustration saying, “what else can we do?” then you know you have a problem. Most of these charities have been run for ages, and have a stellar track record with no hit of people misappropriating funds. So why the Minister has these people on his radar is anybody’s guess.
“I understand that the agencies need to be held accountable, but when you have workers throwing their hands up in frustration saying, “what else can we do?” then you know you have a problem.”
Danielle.
Perhaps the charities you refer to need to get some volunteers to help them get up to speed in compliance.
As you said you have parents and other relatives on boards, perhaps they can work together to share the technical skilled volunteers in order to be in compliance.
Either that or approach people to help collectively.
Speak with the Centre of Philanthropy and ask if they can either provide some help or point these charities in the right direction to get this help.
Danielle…I have been involved with the same charity for 9 years. We have always adhered to the required guidelines they are straight forward and easy to follow. They have not changed and we had no difficulty with our latest submission. I can’t understand how any well run charity would have difficulty complying.
Danielle, they are helping the charities by ensuring that monies do not go to faux charities or poorly organized charities.
Instead those monies go to charities that get the support to the people that the charity is intended to support.
The guidelines have not changed and the requirements are not difficult to meet. Very basic stuff.
Government’s fiscal position is irrelevant.
Michael fahy could care less who is affected by his dictatorial, retaliatory decision not to renew this most vitally important organization charitable status. This decision shows the true nature of this OBA government.
But he hasn’t chosen not to renew it. The commissioners have simply asked for proof that 2 people are required to sign off on each payment. Once this is received, they will be approved. A simple, good governance control… I can understand why the PLP blowhards might confused by this seemingly straightforward requirement though.
Did you read the article?
“It is also important to note that it is the Commissioners and they alone who collectively take all decisions related to charity applications. The Minister of Home Affairs and his staff only become involved when those aggrieved by the decisions of the Commissioners wish to make an appeal.”
I managed to read that bit.
Funny how many on here didn’t.
If indeed that is the case then why is the Minister making this report and not the commissioners.
Too funny. If Fahy said nothing you would be asking where the Minister’s statement is, and what is he hiding.
Actually, there are 2 statement there, one from the Charity Commission and one from the Ministry of ?Home Affairs
Danielle if charities are not regulated how would you know how your donations are being used. This is NOT a political issue but a regulation put in place to protect the consumer! YOU!
Minister Fahy removed the status of several charities. This wasn’t because there was proof of donations being misused, it was for them to show proof that they haven’t. That’s like assuming somebody is guilty of a crime, throwing them in prison then telling them they can be released when they show proof that they are innocent.
It would be different if there was hints of donations being misused, but there is not. There are people out there really struggling right now, and the government can’t help them all nor should they be expected to. That is where the charities come in. My point remains that the government should be doing everything in their power to work with these charities that are helping the people.
Until the OBA (and it’s supporters) is seen as having more of a social conscience, you will continue to see the unbridled hostility towards them. They need to at least act like they care, even if the clearly do not.
Of course they care Danielle. That is unfair to accuse them of not caring. SMH.
It’s exactly in this hard economic times that rules and regulations need to be followed MORE – hundreds of charities all trying to vie for donations…government has an obligation to make sure they are taking care of it properly!!! You are obviously looking for ways to stir the pot.
“FYI OBA….not everybody has the good fortune to be born with a silver spoon in their mouth.”
Yes, some people worked their guts out to get where they are today.
Minister Fahy has no real dealing with the commission, unless the charities ask him to. It is the Charities Commission who are responsible for overseeing the re-registration of any charity and their guidelines are quite clear, not that difficult and are there to ensure that any charity set up is legit and viable. I’d they were not, then people’s charitable monies would be at best wasted, worst, stolen. They have not rejected CURB, they have asked CURB to prove to them that the appropriate safe guards, namely that all their accounts require 2 signatures from approved board members for transactions, are in place, with documentation from their bank/s.
Additionally they have reminded the charities to ensure they have the renewals in 2-3 months before so that the works can be done, not wait till less than a month.
For several years now i have been shocked at the public statements made by CURB. Theirs Today’s regarding the very offensive sign during friday’s march being yet another example. You cannot defend the indefensible or justify the inexcusable. They have lost their way and need to disband or rebrand. They are another mouthpiece for the hate mongers of the PLP/BIU and now the so called People’s Campaign. Personally i hope they never again are AWARDED tax payer funding/charity status – they have absolutely no credibility whatsoever. Shame on them.
I’ve to take my cap off in recognizing the way CURB has used the “white pawn” to take the slack / feedback etc. In other words, “the fall guy”.
MOVE ONE!!! They said that they did not support the sign nor were they involved in the making of it, so the issue is dead. Stop living in the past and move one!!
Move one? I think you meant to say move on…
There are many things I could say about Micheal Fahy. But all I’m gonna say is he’s got to go. ASAP.
Why?
You’re right. Why not have Andre Curtis supervise all the charities. He’s really good at spreadsheets.
He is spineless and has to go. He is gonna cause more unrest in Bermuda unless they fire him NOW!!
Spineless how?
It is because he is willing to stand up for what is right that he has become unpopular in a few segments of the community.
There are certain loudmouths who would love to go back to the days of spineless politicians who are only a cog in the wheel, and kneel when the Union demands
He is not SPINELESS, you don’t like him because he does indeed have a very strong spine.
Spineless? Really?
Wait a minute …you said “There are many things I could say about Micheal Fahy. But all I’m gonna say is he’s got to go”
It wasn’t ALL you were gonna say as you came back and called him “spineless”
How about you stand up for your country and put the needs of your country first by doing what he is doing, whilst under constant criticsm from the PLP cronies. Now who is the spineless one????? NOT Fahy.
You may not like his style, but spineless isn’t a word you could use to describe his actions or decision-making process
Coming from the jellyfish himself.
Considering Fahy help to authorize other bank accounts.. ironic
Wrong. He was called by the bank to verify the person opening the account was who he said he was. That is not “authorizing” an account.
We didn’t hear your views about the sign yet, Chris. You were at the march. What did you think about tye racist sign?
Chris, you are concerned about Mr. Fahy and money intended for the OBA?
Why were you not so concerned when your PLP government and how $800 million was unaccounted for. You do remember the unaccounted for $800 MILLION don’t you? That was over $1.5 million for EVERY WEEK THEY WERE IN POWER! If the PLP could not account as to where $800 MILLION of the peoples money went one can only come to the conclusion that:
a) there were many cases involving …
b) many cases of unapproved projects
c) ….
d) or finally, bad management of the countries money.
Chris why the focus of what happened to money donated by a private individual to the OBA. Are you trying to distract from where the real PEOPLES MONEY went?
Plenty of irony and hypocracy to go around CF….plenty….and it’s not hard to know where to start looking.
Is it a good thing or bad thing that there is some oversight over charities in order to protect the monies for the benefit of the people or cause in need?
Whether you like Fahy or not, the guy is doing his job and getting things done. You got to admire that.
Long bay trading, are you speaking. out against C.U.R.B because they do not support your point of view concerning the P.R.C situation ?….. that sign was offense to those who do not understand that womans struggle, granted that was not the venue for that particular message, but her sign speaks volumes as to how some black bermudians are feeling. This government seems to protect and promote the rights of foreigners over bermudians, their days unfortunately,are numbered, the OBA must go for now. The PLP will have another chance to straighten up this mess that we are in.
So what would you say if the sign was reversed? What was written is offensive to many and is not needed. The march has now been made out to be be racial and it has nothing to do with race!!!
That may be true, but you are ignoring the point that was made. The sign does represent a portion of Bermuda that actually feels that way.
Lets deal with the issue instead of sweeping it away or trying to defer to another point.
Robert , we are in this mess because of the PLP! How old are you 20? You must be, otherwise you would remember the booming economy we all enjoyed before the PLP? You would remember that we had no debt, a better education system, better roads, less crime, poverty and unemployment?
Robert, that sign was offensive and racist FULLSTOP.
It had no place at that march or any march.
This Government is Bermudians, for Bermudians and Bermuda.
The PLP were for self and power. Is that what you prefer?
Hypothetically speaking, were a march to be organised in support of PRC’s and guest workers what would you have to say on the following sign:
“Black ignorance is killing foreign investment in Bermuda.”
I would hope that you would say that we should not judge the person carrying that sign, instead choosing to reflect on the circumstances that led to that person making that sign…
If that is true, that that sign “represents how some black Bermudians are feeling” then CURB hasn’t been doing its JOB! Don’t make me holla! The OBA is for ALL Bermudians, not just that dodo with the stupid sign.
CURB has shown it’s true colors.
What I have noticed there is a lot of Race Baiting going on in Bermuda on a reguler basis. ‘The making of verbal attacks against members of a racial group’. Urban Dictionary: Race-Baiting: Attempting to cloud logic and facts by appealing to emotion through false accusations of racial discrimination. A favorite spin tactic of politicians used to manipulate people of low intelligence.
Yep, that’s all the PLP have right now. They are terrified of this government making progress. Their only hope of winning an election again is to, as you said, race bait, make Bermudians believe this is a black versus white fight. That’s why you saw that sign at the march. They are manipulating the public. The PC and the are also involved in the same tactical manipulation.
Now we know why this country will never become independent.
If you can’t control them, destroy them!! Is this the Bermuda for the future? OBA, you need to stop this madness!
It is easy to comply with the law. If they can’t then you gotta think what else are they not doing.
This is an attempt to muzzle free speech in Bermuda; CURB does not get a government grant. It’s funds depend on it’s charitable status.
This is a way to hurt CURB’s finances because it has made statements critical of government policies. And what makes it even more a travesty you have a unelected government minister making decisions that have great impact on the people- will someone rid us of this burden; this unjust anti-Bermudian OBA government.
Whether or not it keeps its charitable status, Curb is essentislly finished. It has no credibility at all. It is just a branch of the PLP.
No it is not.
Try reading it again Alvin… slowly.
“It is also important to note that it is the Commissioners and they alone who collectively take all decisions related to charity applications. The Minister of Home Affairs and his staff only become involved when those aggrieved by the decisions of the Commissioners wish to make an appeal.”
Not sure how you get to the conclusion that Fahy is taking away CURB’s charity status? I guess you read what you want to read…
LOL, this was the way the old UBP did things when they were in power. Similarities me thinks?!
@Alvin williams,
So you want another $2.5Billion dollars of DEBT from the PLP/BIU so we end up just like “JAMACIA” WHERE THERE DOLLAR IS $108J to the one (1) US/bermuda dollar.Maybe you should move there to see how hard it is on the people there.
And go live in “HAITI” as that is a real boom town.
Beside Zimbabwee everyone there is a millionaire as they print million pound notes.Does not buy anything of course and not worth the paper that it is printed on.
CURD spues nothing but HATERED which you seem to enjoy.
What are you talking about? Giving CURB their charity status will NOT increase our debt.
You don’t make any sense, just noise!
It will if their funding is provided by government grant. If it is, then you would have thought they would have this covered in good time.
What part of “does NOT receive government grants” don’t you understand?!?
So WHO IS PAYING THEM ????????????
CURBGATE perhaps
Hi bluebird, you’re an interesting person in an interesting time with interesting views, however different from my own.
Hmmmmmmmmm, picking at your comment, you sound racist with that Jamaica and Haiti comment
It sure would be nice if we could vote where we want our tax money going for some of these so-called charitable organisations.
How many would want their money going to support CURB these days. I would venture to say that many would not want CURB to be given a single dollar. If CURB wants to exist, let them raise their own money from their own supporters. Send my portion to charities that will put it to good use.
How do you suppose that would work out?
Seriously triangle drifter?? CURB doesn’t receive government grants, they raise their own funding. This is nothing more than a tactic to keep them quiet. Fahy’s fingers are in everything!
Be quiet we all know what you’re all about right or wrong you stay one way SMDH the struggle continues
Your only saying that becuase you beleive that CURB supports PLP. Now, had they made obvious to the people of who they actually support, lets say OBA, then your comment would not be as it is above.
I wonder how CURB’s Tag Day went. It was Saturday.
Curb “do not condemn or judge this lady” (carrying the sign).
The only racism that you have uprooted recently is your own.
For what its worth, I deal with a number of Bda charities and at the moment this seems to be standard. The Charities Commission has been house cleaning in this sector and are requesting overdue accounts, performing governance reviews, asking questions about activities and events, etc. Thus, this is not isolated to CURB and if CURB has outstanding items relating to their application for re-registration then the deferral doesn’t surprise me.
You think this crowd wants to hear reason, logic, and facts? Stop ya noise.
I sit on a board of a charity and one of the top agenda items at every meeting is ensuring that we are always on top of the items that will be required for renewal of charitable status as without charitable status a charity ceases to operate and therefore assist the people that it was set up to do.
This is basic due diligence by the government to ensure that people who donate and receive services from charities are protected.
This is not an attack on CURB as many charities have been called out in the last year for lack of documentation and financial accountability.
Similarly. I sit on a charity board too, same rules for everyone.
Yeah right.
Strange how you didn’t make any mention of sitting on a board until this person said that they sat on one.
I guess you suddenly “remembered” that you sat on a board, or you think by saying you sit on a board will give your comments more weight.
You are so full of it.
Try the fact that I work full time, so when you look at the time of my post it was on my lunch hour when I had a chance to get caught up on the news…
Not everyone has the ability to read the news and comment on it throughout the day!
When the commission asked for more, CURB gave it in on time.
The Commissioners are doing their jobs and have made similar requests of many other charities. We should thank them for making sure all charities do a better job at managing our money, don’t you think?
Fahy you are d guy. A man getting stuff done.
CURB should no longer be a charity. Anywhere else in the world they would have been shut down after making excuses for such disgusting behaviour shown a few days ago by a certain member of the public.
CURB you need to protect all races not just black people. Believe it or not there are other races on the island that are descriminated against more than black people.
CURB need to get their books in order. No books in order…no charitable status…simple enough.
As I said above if the Minister wants us to accept that the Commissioners act indepent of the Ministry then why is he speaking on their behalf? I am sure that they are able to give their reasons for their decisions to CURB so why would the Ministry get involved at all?
1. Person applies for charitable status
2. More documentation is requested
3. Documentation is either provided or not
4. Charitable status is given
This is not a political or racial issue. In the world outside that of Bernews comments, it’s as dull as filling out one’s taxes.
It is as simple as that… People are reading into this with an ulterior motive; like every issue arising from a political view; which is why (as a blogger asked above) the Minister made the report and not the commissioner. Simply to clarify to the public BEFORE accusations are made.
CURB was deferred (a decision made by the commissioner) and justified from the reasoning. Rules are in place to regulate charities as rules are in place for everyday actions. The problem is some are not accepting this. Without rules there is chaos; plain and simple. I personally donate to many charities and NO, I was NOT born with a silver spoon. I am however happy guidelines are in place to assure my donations are properly administered.
I see some feel this is in retaliation for the comments made on the PRC situation; but from the dates, government would have to be fortune-tellers to have acted to CURBS comments on the issue as deferment came PRIOR to CURB’s statement release.
Now lets flip the script and play devils advocate if you’re into conspiracy theories.
Was CURBS statement on the PRC in reaction to the deferment as it came AFTER????
CURB gave in all requested additional documentation. The commission waited until the last minute to ask yet again for more “clarification” which they should have asked for the first time they asked for more information.
Many Charities in Bermuda have been called into question over regulatory requirements during the last year.
Some have lost charity status entirely. CURB needs to get its act together – as do many other charities, or risk losing charity status (no pun intended.
This is not a race or political issue. They just need to be in compliance. Simple as that.
Blue Bird- one thing about Zimbabwe- the land belongs to the people of Zimbabwe and there is no such thing as a long term resident or PRC or a loop-hole. your are either a citizen of an independent country or you are not.
Yes and you just go look at them asking for Foreign investment from Russia and China and assistance from the IMF.
There is no Utopia there Alvin
Some basic clarity on this matter. CURB submitted our annual request for renewal in early June, we received feedback from the charities commissioners later that month requesting further info which was provided. We heard nothing further till an email enclosing a letter late Thursday afternoon (24th July) from Ministry of Home Affairs/Charity Commissioners advising that our request for registration had been deferred and asking for clarity on two of our Byelaws, i.e. the banking mandate and the dissolution clause, plus requesting further breakdown of donations and how they were spent. The next day CURB called the Registry General and they advised that as our charity status was deferred we could not go ahead with our Tag Day scheduled on the Saturday (26th July). This led to a mad scramble to notify those businesses who said we could fund raise outside their premises and those supporters who had volunteered to cancel the tag day. CURB made no press release about this. Within about 48 hours we were being asked by various media about CURB’s deferral and we made a simple statement advising we had been deferred, the tag day cancelled,and advising the Commissioners had requested further info. CURB responded to the Charities Commissioners’ recent questions first thing yesterday morning. NB CURB PwC has audited CURB’s financial statements since 2006, unfortunately last year we did not have sufficient funds to cover the cost of an audit, and so we requested approval from the Charity Commissioners to waive this requirement, which was provided, and instead supplied them with unaudited financial statements prepared by a qualified accountant. CURB is also a Company Limited by Guarantee, considered within the charitable community as best practice. CURB is not funded by Government and so our fundraising activities are critical to our ability to sustain the work we do in the community.
Curb Is a joke anyway.
Once CURB gets it charitable status again, by providing the good goverance documents needed, then all those who wish to provide funding may happily do so for whatever aganda you deem warrented by this group.
Please remember that another charity set-up to spew another point of view different from our own is not wrong either. So many times we point the fingure while doing the same thing, saying to ourselves that it is acceptable because we are doing it not them.
Hypocrite – a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.
Sorry no Spell check today.
PEOPLE, Fahey is causing the DIVIDE in this country. Playing one side of society against the other! He needs to go because the PEOPLE are getting restless. For the sake of the country, get rid of Fahey!
Its funny how the minister seems to know all the problems with the CURB application when they supposedly only get involved to solve grievances.
CURB acts and behaves as a political organization and asking for “Charitable Status” to enable it to raise funds under a false pretense.
If its a charity stay out of politics just like the Church. Otherwise operate as a political action club!
Ask for your funds privately not with a stamp of approval from the Government State Charities Commission seal of approval.
Many of the donors on this island will only give to approved charity by the Commission.
It seems the same people complaining are the same people who are asking for the government to regulate everything.
Just regulate charity over $1M let the little guy alone.
Smells like another hidden agenda of the regulators.
Agreed! CURB is entirely a political action group-not a ‘charity’ in the true sense! Amazing how they even have ‘charitable status’!!
I read the story above then went to the comments and can see that so many of you clearly did not and probably don’t want to read the actual story.
You just have a hate on for Fahy for no reason. Well…I can think of one or two reasons but I’ll leave it to that lady with the mental illness sign to carry your message for you.