It appears that the Auditor General has in fact given a Qualified Opinion on the Consolidated Fund of the Bermuda Government. This is the audit equivalent of a huge red flag with flashing lights, a siren, and dancing girls … and will surely catch a lot of attention regarding what is going on with Bermuda’s public finances.
Earlier I pondered what the official response would be. As it turns out the Premier is away, so a fiery (and some might believe verging on libelous) statement was read out on his behalf this afternoon in Parliament:
One can only surmise that as retirement looms, the Auditor has determined to depart with a bang. I am left to question the motives behind the considerable resources and efforts devoted to the preparation of this Report.
Mr. Speaker, the Oxford Dictionary defines “coincidence” as “the occurrence of similar events at the same time by change”. Mr. Speaker, I advise Honourable Members of that definition because there are some coincidences of which I think they and the public should be aware. Mr. Speaker, it is a coincidence that the Auditor General’s Special Report relates to the Ministries of Works and Engineering and Tourism and Transport. Mr. Speaker, it is also a coincidence that the Ministers of those two Ministries are the same Ministers who are the subject of bogus cheques prepared in an effort to frame them.
Mr. Speaker, at what stage does coincidence become deliberate?
Mr. Speaker, I wish for Honourable Members and the people of Bermuda to rest assured that the protection of an Auditor’s independence will not make us tolerant of untruth. Power must be used responsibly and no office is above the truth.
Man, neighborhood barbeques on AP Owen Road must be a hoot.
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