Vexed Bermoothes

The Premier announced that all contracts awarded by Cabinet will appear in the Official Gazette beginning April Fools Day.  Contract details like the name of the contractor, the services to be provided, the amount of the contract, whether it was tendered or sole sourced, and the Ministry providing the funding will also be listed.  Dr. Brown said

“This Government has nothing to hide and is quite content to take this progressive step in the name of assuring public confidence in the processes.”

While this is a good step in the right direction, it is a baby step.  Let’s call it tentative rather than progressive.

1. It doesn’t deal with the process at all, just the outcome.
2. In the name of greater openness and transparency, the Bermuda Government needs much better defined – and publicly available – contracting standards and processes.
3. All government tenders of a certain size – whether via Cabinet or any other Government affiliated body – should be posted to enable qualified businesses to bid.

I am glad to hear that the Premier’s confidence in local newspaper advertising is restored.