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Overseas Travel by Politicians and Civil Servants High on the Agenda

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Auditor General, Leigh Trotman's voice has been one in the wilderness.
Auditor General, Leigh Trotman’s voice has been one in the wilderness.

Some Barbadians have wondered about the need for government officials to travel overseas first class and in many cases to travel at all during a protracted period of austerity. Do you know government officials […]

– politicians and civil servants –  continue to trapeze the globe

to attend meaningless conferences/meetings while increasing taxes on Barbadians?  BU concedes some travel will be necessary to efficiently conduct the business of government, however, the government needs to built trust in its policies by engaging the public to explain its travel commitments. How are Barbadians to understand first class travel and accommodation and four and five star hotels while same government is defaulting on VAT and Income Tax rebates to citizens and companies?

Barbadian taxpayers who elected politicians deserve to be treated with respect. We need this government to be more transparency about how it spends OUR money. We know from reading the Auditor General reports through the years – BLP and DLP – we need to demand greater transparency and accountability from government. Successful private companies which undertake to make harsh demands on its employees, always place a high premium on managing the process by engaging in crystal communication strategies to allay the fears of an important stakeholder in the process as much as is practicable.

We (sensible Barbadians) want to know the budgets for the last three years for overseas travel by ministers of government and public servants to help inform our conclusion whether the acuity of government is intact.

An article titled – It’s not all first-class travel and fine dining when you’re PM: Cameron is spotted scoffing Pringles while squashed in to his seat in economy class – makes for good reading.

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90 responses to “Overseas Travel by Politicians and Civil Servants High on the Agenda”

  1. Shaft Avatar
    Shaft

    I’m not getting into this debate but I’ll say this… Barbadians have “a lot of long talk…!” They chat on the beaches, rum shops, side walk etc…! Proactive they’re not, reactive they certainly are…! Just SHUT UP Bajans and turn your chatter into action…!

  2. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    You must know that these overseas liaisons are often designed to facilitate opportunities that are not easy to achieve in Barbados without nosey malicious Bajans finding out and putting it in the Saturday Sun’s gossip column …or on BU.
    Besides the Government people don’t want to be outdone by the big spending sport leaders when it comes to such high living… 🙂

  3. FearPlay Avatar
    FearPlay

    Article in today’s NationNews: PRIME MINISTER FREUNDEL Stuart and his Cabinet are meeting in retreat to look at ways to better serve the country.

    There was no need for a two day retreat at the Crane Beach Resort along with accompanying expenses for a decision to be made. Short answer – RESIGN!

    But then again, we should be “grateful” that they didn’t hold the meeting in Geneva at a 5 diamond hotel and fly there first class.

  4. RastaR Avatar
    RastaR

    Maybe if they went to see these plaa gasifiers they would be better informed as to the nonsense they signed up to sight unseen

  5. Lee Avatar
    Lee

    Shameless extravagance. It is an embarassment ! They will loose my vote for this alone. How can they ask Barbadians to improve productivity? Let us see the cost/benefit analyses of every single ministry official on tour with them as well !!

  6. MR.C Avatar
    MR.C

    @ Shaft:-
    You are so right when it comes to more talk and LESS ACTION. That’s a traditional thing that makes it easy for the Government to continue PIMPING the people for years, and will continue to. They know that the taxpayers aren’t going to do shit about whatever they chose to do. It’s truly amazing how people can get together as you’ve said in just about any place and talk about situations, and what should be, or could be done. BUT DOES NOTHING BUT MORE TALK. Might even lead to altercations if it’s someone from a different party voicing his,or her opinion. While the Government is conducting business AS-USUAL, and taking your money to the bank.
    They are more interested in what’s going on in other people’s houses, and leaving theirs wide open. I honestly DON’T want to laugh at the two day retreat at the Crane Beach Resort for them to sit around and bull shit AS-USUAL.. This is very clear that the Government honestly DON’T have the taxpayer’s situation at heart. More than likely they are looking for other ways to get payed.
    The Prime Minister has a house which is provided to him by the taxpayers. And the same way he can have parties and guest from other countries to stay there. He can have these same sorry excuse for a Government to stay there which for sure can be less expensive. Or even just spend the day and return the next day. It’s not as if they have to catch a flight to make it to Barbados. LARGE AND INCHARGE IS THE GOVERNMENT’S WAY OF LIFE. Take it,or for sure DO SOMETHING TO CHANGE IT. At the rate they are going without CHANGING THE WAY THEY CONDUCTING BUSINESS. The TAXPAYERS will continue to come up on the short end. I hope that before you elect others again that changes are in place to STOP this from happening all over again?

  7. MoneyBrain Avatar
    MoneyBrain

    Can you say “international pompasetting?”

    These Pols and Civil Servant fellas love to be able to say,”I went to a Conference in Sydney and stayed at The Regent” Some dont even attend the meetings where avoidable, especially if they can procure a lil dalliance.

  8. are-we-there-yet Avatar
    are-we-there-yet

    David;

    The point you make above must resonate with most of the populace. Yet, even as we have deteriorated to a shrinking “mauby” economy and thousands have been sent home, the government has had to renege on its basic trade marked “bread and butter” policies and Ministers sign on to patently unsound projects in pursuit of non existent foreign exchange, it appears that the high flying lifestyle of Politicians and even top Public servants is left untouched.

    Perhaps what is needed to inform this debate is some transparency in the system and an explanation of why such high flying policies, that emphasize the negative aspects of “them vs. us”, are still being followed.

    At least up to 15 years ago, and most likely still standing, the following features in overseas travel by Ministers and Government Officers on Government business obtained.

    MInisters travelled 1st Class, i.e. at about 3 or more times the cost of economy class

    Permanent Secretaries and officers of similar grade travelled Business Class i.e. at about 2 times the cost of economy class.

    Other Public Servants travelled in economy class.

    Government sought every means to restrict the overseas travelling of Public servants, sometimes including that of PS’ and Officers of equivalent grades, even to the extent of not permitting some Public servants to travel when there was absolutely no cost to the Government.

    There was no evident concomitant restriction in travelling of Ministers.

    Travel by MInisters is largely governed by International protocols. i.e. Whenever Ministers are travelling they are treated as high-level guests of the receiving country and treated to exceptional hospitality and security. Every country is obligated to extend such courtesies to any Minister arriving on its shores on Government business.

    The procedures and protocols laid down for receiving Ministers in the country and providing security for them, etc. make it a bit difficult for MInisters to travel on Official business other than on First Class.

    The link that David provided on David Cameron appears to be only related to Cameron’s private travelling at his own cost. It is somewhat inconceivable that Cameron would have travelled in similar style on Government business.

    But is it possible to significantly reduce the Barbados Government’s overall travel budget in a way that they can demonstrate that they are bearing their fair share of the stringent economic cutbacks that only the general populace has to endure now?

    I think so.

    Some of the MInisterial and other meetings attended by Ministers can be significantly reduced by mandating that only absolutely necessary meetings are attended by Ministers. Thus Permanent Secretaries and a few Technical personnel can represent the Country at meetings where large teams of representatives now attend, at significantly lesser costs.

    Remove certain facilities that allow Ministers to attend meetings in very exotic places accompanied by their spouses, once per year. Cut down the frequency of such entitlements or remove it altogether. But perhaps this has already been done.

    Consider carefully a provision that ordinary Ministers would normally be allowed to travel on Official Business at no better than Business Class while the PM would travel First Class

    Only permit the use of Business Class travel for Ministers and PSes where trips are over 5 hours. In other cases travel should be in Economy class.

  9. Alvin Cummins Avatar
    Alvin Cummins

    @David,

    A copy of the Government Estimates of expenditure (obtained; at cost) from the Government Printing Office will answer many of the queries. The estimates of Revenue and expenditure lists the costs incurred in and by every government office, as well as revenue earned. There would not then be a need for all this speculation rumour etc. You would have the same facts as the accountant and auditors general.

    Do any of you know which visits are paid for for by the country visited, the government visited, or the agencies that made the invitation? Do you know the importance of the visit? Are they important conferences; Heads of Governments, meetings with lenders, meetings with creditors, meetings regarding international agreements? How many of you on BU apart from Bushie (yard duck tea, Miller and sundry others have been in Government positions

    Should the Leader of Opposition, travel in economy and have to struggle with luggage and immigration and customs officials, or should she have a diplomatic passport and be accorded that dignity.

    A lot of you talk without putting your mouths in drive.

  10. Alvin Cummins Avatar
    Alvin Cummins

    @Are we there…,
    You are perfectly correct in your assessment about protocols etc.The receiving countries welcoming delegation might demand that certain travel must follow strict guidelines, especially with regard to safety,personal or otherwise. But on another front, how can you negotiate or have meaningful discussions with persons of equal importance, international bureaucrats etc, and you have to come to them like a “boy in the yard”; they travel first or business class, and you have to be standing in a customs line while they pass you, go ahead to the meeting and you arrive late or stressed out because of events at the check in or check out. If there is an important conference on Taxation in Australia, and it cannot be video conferenced, do you expect the Minister of Finance or the Commissioner of Income or Land Tax to walk on water, not attend, or travel economy class for such a trip?

    Have enough pride that even if you don’t have a cent in your pocket you can at least give the appearance that you have a million dollars. Nobody has to know that you don’t.

  11. Due Diligence Avatar
    Due Diligence

    Wonder who is paying for the Prime Minister’s upcoming overseas trip to speak at the DLP Canada 8th Annual Errol Barrow Memorial Dinner in Toronto on September 20; Taxpayer or Party.

    http://dlpbarbadoscanada.com/event/8th-annual-errol-barrow-memorial-dinner/

    Will the PM, George Pilgrim and the rest of his entourage (six policemen to ensure tight security?) be traveling first class or economy?

  12. Artaxerxes Avatar
    Artaxerxes

    It is impossible to prepare a budget and include ACTUAL revenues TO BE EARNED and expenses TO BE INCURRED, because a firm may not earn revenues as expected and prices usually fluctuate.

    Therefore, government departments and statutory corporations prepare statements of PROJECTED revenues and expenditure (i.e. what these government entities EXPECT to earn and spend) during a given financial year. The “ESTIMATES,” which is similar to a mater budget, is a set of interconnected budgets from all government departments, quasi and statutory corporations.

    Each government entity is given a “vote,” which is allocated to “heads” such as personal emoluments, other personal emoluments, supplies and materials, maintenance of property, travel, utilities, training, NIS, etc. When money allocated to a “head” is spent before the financial year has ended, the minister has to seek a supplementary vote.

    As such, it is erroneous to suggest that “the ESTIMATES of revenue and expenditure will NOT answer many of the queries and DOES NOT “list the costs incurred in and by every government office, as well as revenue earned.” You must take note of the word “estimate.”

    The Auditor General does NOT base his audits on the estimates, but on financial statements, since they will present a true representation of actual income and expenditure.

  13. SuckaBubby Avatar
    SuckaBubby

    I remember when Maxine McClean was tasked to answer why officials must travel when they can save some coppers and use technology to conference.This was around the time of the Samoa expedition.She simply summed up that they have to be there.I think they need to review the policy and try to put that rating about Barbados being a technology savvy island in the Americas to good use.The authorities talk about need innovation and productivity until the opportunity strikes.Then the public is wrapped across the knuckles that its not feasible.

  14. Alvin Cummins Avatar
    Alvin Cummins

    @Suckabubby,
    Oh dear here we go again. I have to put in my mouth and set the record straight. A visit to the Ministry of Foreign affairs Conference room will show the equipment etc used for teleconferencing. in 2012, I and a number of authors and booksellers, went to Cuba to attend the Cuba Book fair. We (about eight of us were briefed by the Ambassador to Cuba on everything concerning our travel to Cuba;accommodation, value of the currency, steps to be taken in shipping books etc. This was done by teleconference. Despite what some of the uninitiated may feel, our Civil Servants in the main, are conscientious and spend judiciously. After all they also pay taxes to,o and therefore they would be wasting their own money.
    Did you ever consider that if it was an international conference some of the other delegations in other countries might not have been so equipped.

    @Artra,
    Isn’t it true that when travel is undertaken the officers travelling have to account for funds expended (by filling out a form) and returning the form with receipts accounting for any expenditure? When they travel does’t the money come out of the treasury? Isn’t there an accounting officer in every department whose function is to account for funds expended, according to what is budgeted for?What are you trying to imply? Estimates are prepared before the budget is presented. After the vote is approved the accounting has to account for the expenditure. Unexpected things do occur; such as the tripling of certain costs when the ABC highway was widened. (Don’t make me have to go to the archives to defend myself.)

  15. SuckaBubby Avatar
    SuckaBubby

    Alvin Cummins August 20, 2015 at 2:58 PM #

    “@Suckabubby,
    Oh dear here we go again. I have to put in my mouth and set the record straight. A visit to the Ministry of Foreign affairs Conference room will show the equipment etc used for teleconferencing. in 2012, I and a number of authors and booksellers, went to Cuba to attend the Cuba Book fair.”

    And I can show you an island full of canefields but that doesn’t mean anything is growing.A briefing about a conference and actually attending a conference is as night and day.And 2012???

    “Did you ever consider that if it was an international conference some of the other delegations in other countries might not have been so equipped.”

    Did you ever consider thats their problem and not ours?

    If all that equipment is there ,Ms McClean should have said so instead of answering in a coarse bombastic tone of voice.

  16. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    @ Due Diligence,

    In Canada we have agencies that protect visiting Heads of state. They will be “in the shadows” since it is not a ‘state visit”.

    The PM is entitled to his own bag carriers but he wouldn’t need 6. lol

  17. Alvin Cummins Avatar
    Alvin Cummins

    @Suckabubby,
    Do you agree that some conferences require government’ presence?If you and your representatives are bombastic in their approach, why would you expect the respondents to be meek, and shrinking violets. Why would you consider a robust answer to be bombastic.
    She right!

  18. Crusoe Avatar
    Crusoe

    I am ALL for some Government Ministers travelling overseas, especially if they decide to not come back.

  19. Crusoe Avatar
    Crusoe

    Looka wunna, yuh doan unnerstand that likely some officialdom does need a lil hotel room to spend sum luvvin time wid ‘ac’..

    😉

    Yuh want Bushie tuh get all fuh himself?

  20. Crusoe Avatar
    Crusoe

    Beauty about that is, when he wifey call an ask, ‘how yuh doing out there in Thighland?’, he can truthfully answer, ‘darling, I spenning some time in ‘ac”……to which her answer will be ‘oh, its hot nuh?’ reply from officialdom ‘yes darling, real hot’….. hhaaaaaaaaaaaa

  21. racehrse Avatar
    racehrse

    Question is: How is remuneration received. Does the official pay first, and submit an expense account? Or does the government pay directly? Or does the official carry a government issued credit card with a limited LOC? Then depending on the answer you can look into inappropriate expenditures. But, in today’s economy government officials should set the example in a depressed economy. When travel is determined to be necessary, then it’s cost should be frugal. Another question, doesn’t the government get a deep discount from the airline doing business in it’s country? But, it seems that there is a defiant government attitude in we’ll do whatever we want, and you can’t do anything about it but make noise. No impeaching wrong doing in the house, etc. Just have to wait for the next election………………………….

  22. Alvin Cummins Avatar
    Alvin Cummins

    @racehrse,
    Instead of speculating why don’t you check with a government department and see for yourself how it operates. You can then report first hand, how it was.

  23. SuckaBubby Avatar
    SuckaBubby

    Alvin Cummins August 20, 2015 at 6:36 PM #

    “Do you agree that some conferences require government’ presence?”

    No.

    “Why would you consider a robust answer to be bombastic.
    She right!”

    Robust is when you have specifics, she didn’t.

  24. Redman Avatar
    Redman

    Pompasetting is the name of the game!
    Basically that is all these inertia addled degenerates are good for.
    Leaderless kleptocracy run amok.

  25. Sam Shank Avatar
    Sam Shank

    It was the DLP that started all of this overseas travel back in the 60’s. The original DLP ministers were always all over the globe, especially EWB

  26. David Avatar
    David

    The issue is not whether BLP or DLP ministers and public servants are traveling too frequently, it is the need for the government to be transparent about it.

  27. balance Avatar
    balance

    Attending conferences provide the opportunity for those attending to add to their income through access to the generous allowances per diem etc which they use as a means to an end. Although the allowances are guaranteed, some of them wouldn’t even travel unless they have their allowances in their hand no matter how important the conference according to their rationale.

  28. Hamilton Hill Avatar
    Hamilton Hill

    The simple way around all the speculation is to engage the public. Instead this Jack ass administration seems to believe that proper public relations consists of planting moles on social media to respond to speculation.It matters not how many mouths are in drive. Speak to the fact that the brain thrust of this admiinistration is stuck in reverse.

  29. Spectator Avatar
    Spectator

    Beside these expenses for travelling we should ask why we see so many “official” Mercedes in Barbados. In Barbados too many people drive Mercedes for free when the normal population can only afford a Toyota Yaris. If these officials had to work on the free market they won´t drive Mercedes. Officials should adapt their choice of vehicle to the current economic situation – and that is a bike to bring them in shape.

  30. David Avatar
    David

    Part of the issue is that these luxury vehicles are foisted on government wrapped in a deal government is too weak to reject.

  31. David Avatar
    David

    How were the diesel powered BMWs procured by government for cricket world cup disposed if? A check will exposed how these custodians if public funds operate.

  32. racehrse Avatar
    racehrse

    @ Alvin Cummins

    Sir, have you ever known government to be cooperative when requesting information? Whether in person or by phone, they’d rather dismiss you from their offices for simply wearing shorts. (On an island) figure that one out. Or wearing camo. Silly rules for you, and me but they do anything they please. Look at the almost nude women that are allowed to jump at crop over. Government gone bad……………

  33. MoneyBrain Avatar
    MoneyBrain

    Crusoe wrote

    I am ALL for some Government Ministers travelling overseas, especially if they decide to not come back.

    SWEEEETTT!

    Reminds me of myself at a Uni Meeting in like 1976 when the topic of certain students going to Sth Africa forced me to interupt proceedings in the Auditorium to say”I think they should go——————- on a ONE way Ticket!”

  34. Alvin Cummins Avatar
    Alvin Cummins

    @ Racehrs.

    Reading your blog I can understand what is wrong with my island.
    “Look at the almost nude women that are allowed to jump at crop over. Government gone bad…” You say.

    What have the costumes at Crop-over got to do with government? Where is your consideration of the freedom we are constitutionally guaranteed? Do you want a restrictive government in the form of ISIS; that beheads people, that restricts the freedoms of women?
    You don’t have to go in the office to get a copy of the estimates. The government printing office in Bay Street (part go Government headquarters) should have a copy for sale. Freedoms have limits though, because shorts with undershorts showing indicates a disdain for authority and an abhorrence of decency. They would be right to throw you out if you showed up like that. A polite, respectful demeanour will obtain the type of response suitable.
    The young people took to wearing camo in the commission of crimes, with the result that the members of the Barbados Defence force were blamed for these crimes. The decision to ban the wearing of camo by anyone who is not a member of the BDF was the answer. You want the government to restrict what the women wear, but not ban camo. What are you? Why is the wearing of camo so important to you? Would you die if you did not have anything in camo? You talk about “them” doing anything they please? You have the freedom to do anything you please; as long as you understand that in any society there are laws, standards and guidelines restricting those freedoms and there are consequences for non adherence to them. Do what is right and you will have no trouble living in any society.

    Wheel and come again.

  35. racehrse Avatar
    racehrse

    @ Alvin Cummins

    No, reading your blog is what is wrong! Sounds like you have eaten at the government trough! The point is government feels like it owes no explanation to it’s citizens. No accountability. And BTW where were your auditors during the Clico fiasco, they couldn’t find $300,000…

  36. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    It is instructive that only idiots like Alvin, AC and Dompey seem to be able to ‘see’ the DLP’s perspective.
    When you have people in government, ..who have shown themselves to be unable to resolve simple matters like the dismissal of the NCC ‘temporary’ workers after two years; who makes a meal of reducing staff in the BIDC; who admits to having no ideas on addressing the array of problems we face with crime…
    …you KNOW that your ass is grass….

    One has to wonder why they don’t just GO AWAY….

  37. Artaxerxes Avatar
    Artaxerxes

    Alvin Cummins August 20, 2015 at 2:58 PM #

    Mr. Cummins, you obviously DO NOT have any knowledge of what budgeting entails and more so, accounting procedures, since you are confusing the entire process. Also, you are not familiar with the definitions of accounting terms such as “budget” and “estimate.” A BUDGET IS SIMPLY A LIST OF ESTIMATES.

    Budgets/estimates are prepared for three main purposes: as a means of enhancing the business decision making process; FORECASTING income and expenditure and as a guideline to monitoring business performance.

    It is also erroneous for you to suggest that an accountant’s function “is to account for funds expended, according to what is budgeted for.” Budgets are used by managers to monitor the performance of their respective departments. Accountants account for ACTUAL income and expenditure.

    At the end of each month, the accountant prepares statements of ACTUAL income and expenditure for managers, who in turn use this information to make comparative analyses with the statements of budgeted income and expenditure, so as to identify areas where excess spending occurs, etc (performance monitoring).

    Within the context of government, “The Financial Statement and Budgetary Proposals” is a speech made, in many cases, by the minister of finance, in which he/she basically explains the domestic and international economic environments, how each sector of the economy performed within these prevailing environments and outlines proposals government intends to implement to ensure social and economic development.

    Unfortunately, by mentioning “Unexpected things do occur; such as the tripling of certain costs when the ABC highway was widened,” you have entered into the depths of political tribalism.

  38. de Ingrunt Word Avatar
    de Ingrunt Word

    David, have you and your team started to troll through the email dumps from the Ashley Madison website of ‘Life is short. Have an affair’ sloganed fame to see which Bajan .gov’t emails or otherwise familiar local names were signed up?

    Surely with all this travel brouhaha stuff the guys and girls of the Civil Service may have used some seminar down-time for safe social “affairs” of the type proposed on that website. LOL.

    Realistically, what people do with their own time is really their own business if its legal, but stuff like this is so salaciously funny. Oh lawd, the perils of a modern life.

    And don’t look for my email there, you will not find it. LOL.

  39. de Ingrunt Word Avatar
    de Ingrunt Word

    Artax, you are being a bit harsh on Cummings I suggest. Surely he understands the budget/estimates/accounting principles and practices. Afterall the gentleman says he has attended uni to complete different studies and during those stints he must have done at least one business principles course.

    Couple that with his long involvement in the business of politics and it’s reasonable to think that he must be au fait with what you espoused.

    So it comes down to your final comment that ” [he has fallen] into the depths of political tribalism”.

    He just dismisses all reasonable and practical perspectives for his beloved DLP even when he knows he flies in the face of common sense and common knowledge.

  40. David Avatar
    David

    Didn’t Alvin serve as an Intervener on the PUB and FTC on several occasions? Shouldn’t he know the meaning of estimates,budgets and forecasts?

  41. Alvin Cummins Avatar
    Alvin Cummins

    @Artra et al, including Yard Duck Bushie.

    Before I left the island, many years ago, to go and further my studies, I was was senior accounts clerk in the department of health. As a Civil servant, (for over eight years) I worked in Education, Labour, Health and at the hospital. Part of my duties in Health was to prepare annual estimates of expenditure; that is estimating what funds would be required for the coming year. and prepare the annual budget for the department If we needed to purchase new vans, to determine the funds what would be required to purchase the one or two, or three vans and JUSTIFY why they had to be purchased. I had to determine how many doses of Vaccines would likely be required, costs etc, for the year. I was required to meet with the P.S. in charge of the department, and go into the house of assembly, when the particular head was being debated, so that I would be present when questions might be asked. This is a practice,used by each department, or ministry, that at present may be discontinued, I don’t know, but the head of department still has to account for the proposed expenditure. Based on these estimates the necessary funds would be budgeted for. If I am not mistaken this is still the method by which the budget is prepared for presentation in the House, when they are seeking funds from the Consolidated funds for functioning. If this is presently (within the last few months)not done then tell me the method used. I know about budgeting, etc. (leave it at that.) I’ll just say that in these dAYS OF TECHNOLOGY, NO ACCOUNTANT has to wait until the end of the month to be up to date with actual expenditure and revenue. If the system is set up properly this information is accessed instantly. I might also add that I have been treasurer of an NGO for the past four years and the financial statements are always audited by a qualified auditor and submitted to government on time.

  42. Alvin Cummins Avatar
    Alvin Cummins

    2Racehrse:
    CLICO is a private company. Government auditors have no business in their offices.

  43. Alvin Cummins Avatar
    Alvin Cummins

    @Artra, race hrse, et al.

    Ah what the heck!: Certificate ..Public Administration, From the University of Toronto.(Canada)
    Certificate in Hospital and Health Care Administration from the University of Saskatchewan, (Canada) Had to do Accounting in each course.

  44. MoneyBrain Avatar
    MoneyBrain

    @Alvin–CLICO is a private company. Government auditors have no business in their offices.

    Alvin, please tell me you are not serious!

    All Financial Instutions MUST BE tightly controlled by Government Audits. In Canada as a Financial person, my Corp is audited by both the Ontario Securities Commission and the Super of Insurance, and correctly so as even the very largest Institutions conduct themselves dishonourably if left to their own devices. Case in point in 2008, major Life
    Assurance Corps in TO were audited and the Super had them call the Banks to arrange massive loans ie $5BN+ immediately! This industry in Canada HAD an excellent Global Rep.

    Lacks Monitoring and Controls by Govt is EXACTLY why CLICO is a Massive Mess! Any experienced person examining the GARBAGE product that caused this mess could have put a stop to it! I have sicked the Authorities on financial criminals before and sometimes because it appears a lil grey they watch and wait, usually until many are hurt and complain.

  45. ac Avatar
    ac

    hope alvin Cummins credentials and his employment history would close the clap traps of the BLP orangutans who just can.t get over the fact that people ideas and philosophies can be of their own thinking even though at times aligned with an organization.

  46. Alvin Cummins Avatar
    Alvin Cummins

    @ Money Brain.
    Government auditors do not go into the auditing of private companies. The Supervisor of Insurance is to supervise the companies. If he does his job he should pick up any infelicities right away. In this case the Supervisor of Insurance; From the time this fiasco began, went after the wrong person. I have said it before a check of the Organization chart of CLICO(the parent company) shows who should have been held responsible long ago. This thing did not begin under the DLP. It began during the reign of King Arthur; ably assisted by his deputy. What did the Supervisor of Insurance report to them? What action did they take?

    By the way, what about Manufacturers Life Ins. located right on Bloor St. East near Yonge Street? What happened with them

  47. MoneyBrain Avatar
    MoneyBrain

    Alvin
    I was alluding to Manufacturers LI, they needed the $5bn injection in Dec 1980. Government employees are supposed to conduct the audit at the end of the day.

    CLICO should never of happened and if King A is involved he and ALL concerned should be prosecuted to the FULL extent of the Law and I mean harshly. There is nothing worse than teefing seniors $$$$$$ and placing them in the catfood aisle. Could be wusser than murdering them as they have to experience long term misery!

  48. racehrse Avatar
    racehrse

    @ Alvin

    I don’t think Parris received any Clico funds from Arthur BLP, I think it was Thompson DLP.

    @ ac

    You missed the point too! Nothing to do with Alvin’s credentials. It’s about the government you both choose to follow. Go read their manifesto, and see what they have lived up to so far!

  49. Sunshine Sunny Shine Avatar
    Sunshine Sunny Shine

    Aye, Alvin Cummins. You miss me, sweetie. I am back from a very nice holiday in my beloved island. Gosh, I must admit Barbados is a lovely rock but could not help notice how run down and garbagegee things have become. Also, too, I notice the moment I hop off the plane how miserable looking folks appear to be. Anyway, crop over was the hoop la and foreday morning jam, mmm let us just say it is a great precursor to the main event Crop over. Bajan men are such horny devils. So as per usual Alvin Mr, Wash pan qualifications pelting them out there so to convince others of his great wealth of knowledge and experience. Agenda clear, defend these despicable, insulting dictators at all cost. Sounds very much like Alvin Cummin’s style of doing business. Lord, I got some more to throw in he pooch hole but all in good time. Alvin dear stay tune for, ”T-Day because this is your life. Later hon.

  50. Alvin Cummins Avatar
    Alvin Cummins

    @ Racehrse.
    The BLP government was in power when the EFPAs were being issued and invested in by money managers. The Supervisor of Insurance was aware also that the level of the reserves of CLICO, required by law, was not to that required by law. I NEVER said or indicated in ANY way that Arthur received CLICO funds from CLICO or Parris. As Prime Minister at the time he should have taken steps. The DLP had not been elected yet and Thompson was still working as a lawyer in his law firm; working for his client Parris.
    The BLP has to bear a great deal of responsibility for the fiasco. As I have said before, the DLP always has to clean up the mess when the BLP has to leave office. CLICO started when they were in office.

    @Hants;
    I am not sure how much you know of the issue; outside of the politics.

    The Flexible Premium Annuities (FPA), and the Executive Flexible Premium Annuities (EFPAs) offered higher % returns on the investments (Good old Ponzi) and a lot of people invested (gambled). The scheme collapsed. Result a lot of people were left holding the bag. Trinidad government spent billions (T&T) bailing out their people. Caribbean governments still trying to work out the way to solve the tangled web necessary to help everybody else in the branches of the Caribbean countries. Difficulty,,,no funds in the governments’ coffers.

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