Commission Budget Increased To $1.168 Million
[Updated] The budget for the Commission of Inquiry has increased from $480,000 to $1.168 million, the Government confirmed this evening.
A spokesperson said, “The Government can confirm that the Commission of Inquiry requested an extension of time and a revised budget.
“After careful review of the request, the Premier Michael H. Dunkley, and the Cabinet agreed to the extension. Cabinet approved a revised end date of 31 Dec, 2016 and a budget increase from $480k to $1.168m.
“It should be stressed that the Government encouraged the Commission to retain a strong focus on the original Terms of Reference to minimise any further increase in time and expenditure.
“As an added note, in accordance with Financial Instructions, a sole source waiver for the engagement of Counsel by the Commission was requested and obtained from the Accountant General.”
Update #2: The Government clarified that the original cost was $480,000 not $450,000 as initially stated, and the text has been amended to reflect that.
Update #2: The Commission said, “We are heartened by the community’s interest in and engagement with the Commission’s undertakings.
“Our aim is to submit a final report that will aid in the efficient and accountable running of Government projects. In the meantime, the four members of the Commission are focused on hearing evidence and reviewing all submissions, which are considerable.
“We will be submitting a detailed account of all expenditures with our final report. Until then, we won’t be responding to requests regarding specific aspects of the Commission’s budget allocation.
“We have posted an FAQ document on the Commission’s website that outlines the manner in which Commission’s counsel was selected. The answer to this and other questions can be found at www.inquirybermuda.com.”
The FAQ document on the Commission’s website lists this question, “How was the law firm of Conyers Dill & Pearman chosen as the Commission’s Counsel and why wasn’t there a tendering process in this regard?”
The reply stated, “The firm of Conyers Dill & Pearman [CD&P] was recommended to Chairman Sir Anthony Evans by the Attorney General’s Chambers as one that could be relied upon to meet the Commission’s needs thoroughly and with the required expertise.
“Following a meeting between Sir Anthony and the firm’s principals, the Commission retained CD&P on terms that include a discounted fee structure.
“The Cabinet Office has advised that as an independent entity under the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1935, the Commission is entitled to retain counsel without the requirement to account for the expenditure as if the Commission were part of Government, or to comply with Financial Instructions.”
