-
by pltm
(PLTM) - On the same day that outgoing Governor John Duncan told BVI Platinum News about plans to address concerns regarding Government projects, it was revealed that a letter was sent to Government a few hours later, indicating that a request was made to the Acting Auditor General (AG), to conduct an audit into the $1M security wall project at the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS).
BVI Platinum News understands that the Governor wrote to both Premier and Finance Minister, Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith and Hon. Myron Walwyn, Minister of Education and Culture, to inform them of his decision to have the project investigated.
Hon. Walwyn, when contacted, said that he welcomes the audit and that his Ministry has nothing to hide.
According to the information obtained, the Governor’s decision was made known via a letter dated Thursday, July 20, the same day the Governor told BVI Platinum News that residents should "wait and see" what actions he will take in his final days, regarding some of the projects undertaken by Government.
The Governor was interviewed by BVI Platinum News early Thursday, by mid-afternoon, the letters were delivered.
"I have accordingly made a formal request to the Acting Auditor General to provide advice to the Governor, as appropriate, on the basis of a formal audit, on whether the procedures for the procurement of goods and services as set out in the Protocols for Effective (Financial) Management, the Public Finance Act and relevant Public Service regulations, were correctly followed in relation to the ESHS security wall project," BVI Platinum News understands the Governor indicated in his letter.
Governor Duncan, who indicated that concerns have been raised with him regarding the procurement of services in the construction of the wall, did not mention anything in relation to the cost of the wall.
"I was Chair of the Cabinet when it was consulted on 4 February, 2015 about the need for the wall, but I am not in a position to judge the veracity of any allegations or concerns, which may be without foundation,” the Governor stated.
He added, "As you are aware, Cabinet agreed to a recommendation that the project be executed by utilizing 'petty contracts and a variety of different suppliers and contractors'. The sum approved was $828,004.10," Governor Duncan indicated.
BVI Platinum News understands that this amount was to be met from the school rehabilitation sub-fund, under the budget.
Nothing To Hide
However, when contacted last evening on the new developments, Minister Walwyn said that he welcomes an audit, noting that there is nothing to hide.
"I welcome the proposed audit. It is always good to test our Governmental systems to ensure that things are being done in a way to achieve the best possible outcomes for the people,” he told BVI Platinum News.
The Minister added, “My Ministry will cooperate fully with every and all requests that may be made by the Auditor General. We have absolutely nothing to hide."
Protocols
Governor Duncan also pointed out in the letter that given the Government's commitments under the 2012 Protocols for Effective Financial Management and the terms of the Public Finance Management Act, "I am obliged to request that an investigation be conducted whenever serious concerns are brought to my attention."
He went on to note that it is his long standing position that while the Governor has the powers under the Commissions of Inquiry Act to convene Commissions of Inquiry, that should only be used as a measure of last resort.
"It is my firm view that the institutions of the Territory should be used wherever possible to address allegations of possible maladministration."
Governor Duncan also mentioned that on July 18, Minister Walwyn provided him with a large amount of documentation relating to the contract, but noted that he will no longer require any further documentation from the Education Ministry, or to meet with officials as the Minister suggested.
"The matter will be in the hands of the Acting Auditor General and her office to take forward as they deem appropriate, and to provide advice to the Governor on their findings...I will pass the papers you have already sent on to her office and leave it to her discretion as to any further documentation she may require. I hope the efforts of the Auditor General will satisfactorily clarify the matter,” the Governor said.
The new Auditor General, who is a United Kingdom national, Mr. Phil Sharman, will take over the post from next month.
Governor Duncan in an exclusive interview with BVI Platinum News on Thursday morning, hinted at making decisions in his final days over controversial Government projects.
In March of this year, Hon. Walwyn, in response to questions in the House of Assembly, said that the total amount expended on the wall project at the time was $1,068,292.91. He noted that that figure is inclusive of all costs incurred on the wall, which stretches from Lower Estate to the E. Walwyn Brewley Ball Park.
Minister Walwyn has stated the importance of security at the school, adding that it was a request by the school to have the old fence removed and replaced, so that it is more secure.
He said that the campus is 8.35 acres in size and when considering the cost of the wall to date, the actual size of the campus must be borne in mind.
