These irregularities are too glaring

May 07, 2016 Editorial, Features / Columnists

It is amazing that these forensic audits are revealing so much but there seems to be no remedial action in the wake of the findings. Certainly the audits are finding numerous financial irregularities but it is as if these irregularities are nothing to warrant attention.
To the man in the street the people who were managing the various financial affairs of the government entities were playing fast and loose with the people’s money. The audit of the National Insurance Scheme was most revealing of the extent of state-sponsored irregularities.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the NIS was the Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon. It meant that the Board of Directors and the Cabinet merged seamlessly. Decisions taken at Cabinet meant instructions to the Board of Directors. This meant that the Board, when it met, would be fed a report from Cabinet as the final decision of the Board.
There was the case of money for the construction of the Berbice River Bridge. The NIS was targetted as a major source of funding. Cabinet even determined how much money was to have been spent. Dr. Luncheon then went to the Board of Directors and rather than discuss the matter, simply announced to the Board whatever it was that the Cabinet decided.
Later, when the actuary reported that the NIS was paying out more than it was receiving Dr. Luncheon, the Board Chairman, simply said that the government would never let the Scheme collapse, that it would take money from the public treasury to replace whatever was necessary.
A private newspaper got wind of the construction of the NIS Corriverton office. At some cost, the newspaper chose to visit that office to seek to justify to the public the $60 million the government said that the NIS spent on the building.
There was nothing to show that the money the Scheme said that it spent was really spent. In fact, much larger buildings in the neighborhood were constructed for half that price. An even larger building right next door to the NIS office was being sold for less than half the price of construction of the office.
Contractors said that government buildings would be that more expensive because of the various other factors that must be taken into consideration. There is no argument here but surely the variation could not be as much as forty or even thirty per cent.
So we have the valuation that put the actual construction at just under $40 million. Was the overpayment a deliberate act to spirit public funds to friends of the ruling party? Indeed the contractors for the various aspects seemed to have close ties to the political party.
There is no end to the irregularities that are being discovered and there is no limit to the public incredulity at the fact that all the people who were responsible for the irregularities are still walking around like little lords, free from any criminal intervention.
Billions of dollars in NIS money was invested with Clico above and beyond the allowable limit. Again, this was a decision taken at the Cabinet level and simply transmitted to the NIS Board by Dr. Luncheon who brooked no challenge. That money is lost and pensioners are being subjected to all manner of subterfuge by the NIS which is trying its best to avoid making payments.
Legal minds say that while the actions were irregular they were cloaked in legality because of executive privilege. In many countries the executive privileges is removed and the people are prosecuted. For certain Dr. Luncheon enjoys no executive privilege. As Board Chairman he could be prosecuted for misusing public funds.
Others who knowingly benefited from the overpayment should also be prosecuted. The government says that the audit reports have been handed over to the police and it is now for the police to institute charges. We wait but not for long.

Latest News

These irregularities are too glaring

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Kellman’s 3-goal brilliance inspires Sparta Boss’ title victory

Bossalina wins feature event at Rising Sun Turf...

GBBFF boss reflects on milestones and leadership...

National stars shine in GCF End of Year Chess...

Two more young cricketers benefit from Project...

Tonight: Sparta Boss goes up against Bent Street...

Features/Columnists

The PPP is in self-destructive mode

Forget Begging Rich Nations: Caribbean Countries Should Act to Save Themselves

A good year, interesting one

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

These irregularities are too glaring

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]