Chairman Dunch On ‘Misinformation Circulating’
Following comments made about the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission hiring MP Wayne Scott, Commission Chairman Alan Dunch said he “would like to address what is clear misinformation circulating” and “set the record straight.”
Mr Scott, who stepped down from Cabinet earlier this year and remains a backbencher in the House of Assembly, began work with the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission on April 3rd, serving as the Chief Technology Officer.
Mr Dunch said, “Much has been said in the last week in the local media and through various blogs/ political forums about the hiring of OBA MP Wayne Scott, as Chief Technology Officer of the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission.
“I would like to address what is clear misinformation circulating about the proper interpretation of the Casino Gaming Amendment Act 2016 [PDF] – and set the record straight.
“It is being repeatedly said that the Act prevents former Cabinet Ministers from any involvement in the Gaming industry for two years after they leave office. This is simply wrong and those who say or publish this have obviously not read or understood the relevant sections of the Act.
“The relevant sections of the Act are Sections 187A to 187D of the Act, which was passed in the House of Assembly on November 21st, 2016.
“The Act states that a “relevant official”, defined as a Commissioner, Commission staff, some Government employees and Government Officials, is prohibited from holding “any interest” during the period in which they hold office, and for two years from the date in which they cease to hold office, without the prior written consent of the Commission.
“However, the Act is very clear as to the quite limited nature of what exactly this “interest” involves.
“Section 187D states that it shall be an offence for any relevant official, or for the immediate family of said official, without the prior written consent of the Commission, to have a direct interest, either legally or beneficially, in any licenced casino entity or its affiliates.
“Just like every other employee of BCGC, Mr. Scott is neither the holder of a casino licence nor is he affiliated with anyone that is in the process of applying for one.
“Having regard to the other express and limited provisions of this Section, the former Education Minister has not solicited or accepted any complimentary service from any entity applying for a casino licence under the Act, nor has he provided any goods or services to an applicant for of any licence under the Act, other than in the ordinary course of his duties as an employee of the Commission.
“The Act does not prohibit former or sitting Ministers or members of Parliament from being employed by the Commission. It also does not prohibit such persons from any involvement in the gaming industry for a specified or any period of time.
“As stated last week by Richard Schuetz, the Commission’s Executive Director, the review panel for all interviews as it pertains to the role of CTO was composed of BCGC Commissioner Judith Hall Bean, someone much respected in the community and with 49 years’ experience in Bermuda’s Civil Service, as well as a technological advisor from one of the Big Four accounting firms on the Island.
“Also on the review panel was Mr. Schuetz himself and the Commission’s Chief Financial Officer. All four of the reviewers unanimously ranked Mr. Scott as the best candidate for the job in both rounds of interviews.
“While none of the candidates had gaming experience, the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission was committed to hiring a Bermudian for the role of CTO and Mr. Scott had virtually all of the technical skills and qualifications required for the job.
“The Commissioners unanimously accepted the recommendation of the review panel that Mr. Scott be appointed to the role of CTO and we look forward to working with him in our quest to create a viable, regulated casino gaming industry in Bermuda.”
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so in other words, the Act was written with some grey areas where politicians and Bermuda oligarchy can get through the back door..
P.L.P. need to realize, these guys wrote de book.
I don’t think so. I think the Amendment Act was written to keep politicians and high-ranking civil servants from using their influence on behalf of casinos, not to keep them from benefiting Bermuda by being employed by the BCGC.
Well alright but I still think Onion Juice should have got the job.
Or Betty. Two geniuses that comprise the best and brightest Bermuda has to offer. lmfao
If the PLP said he should resign, then he should resign.
Looking forward to marching on Monday. Baaaa!!
With the UBP/OBA the goal post keeps changing. When you got elected you stressed to the people that you would do things different. Just like the previous gov you didn’t listen to the people. Sorry but you have to go. See you next election.
oba OUT!!!!!!!!!
Yah. Exacttlee. Not fare that them guys write this stuff out an xpect us to sit down and read all them big words bfore we blame den for doing wrong
call it as it really is…..
CONFLICT of INTERESTS!
If the premier and health minister was receiving undisclosed millions of dollars secretly from a company that wanted to make millions of dollars providing health services in Bermuda, would that be a conflict of interest?
How is this a conflict. Presumably if there is business in the house the speaker will make a ruling?
Hahahahaah PLP/UBP just got told……why so quiet?
It’s because they tend all their time lying.
Why hasn’t the PLP asked Kim Wilson to resign?