City Hall’s CoI
…says criminal charges recommended since 2012
Financial improprieties were uncovered at City Hall by Consultant Ramon Gaskin since 2012, when he conducted an audit at the Georgetown municipality; and, in some instances, recommendations were made for criminal charges to be pressed against those culpable.
City Hall
Gaskin has said he would provide the evidence to substantiate his recommendations based on that audit to the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that has been ordered set up by the Local Government Commission (LGC) to look in the management and spending at City Hall.
“I’m supporting the CoI; I think it is long overdue. I will be giving evidence before the CoI,” the economist told <<Guyana Times>> on Tuesday.
He explained that he had produced and delivered three comprehensive reports to the then Government which had ordered a CoI.
Then Local Government Minister Kellawan Lall had, in 2008, set up the CoI to investigate the state of affairs at City Hall. The minister had appointed Keith Burrowes, an economist, sole Commissioner, assisted by an eight-member team.
That CoI was set up after the Auditor General had submitted on City Hall a report that revealed serious breaches in regulations and protocols by the Administration of the municipality, particularly within the City Treasurer’s Department.
In 2012, Gaskin was appointed head of the Implementation Committee for the reform of the Georgetown Municipality, and was expected to breathe life into the recommendations of the 2008 CoI which was headed by Burrowes.
“I wrote a report, but did two more on corrupt transactions and corrupt practices that were taking place. I wasn’t hired to do it, but as I was there and I found out things, I decided to write,” Gaskin said.
He noted that none of the recommendations was enforced.
Gaskin’s report had highlighted grave matters: such as the council’s financial books not being audited for years, because records were unavailable, while others were difficult to follow.
He added that fraudulent transactions, including a payment made to a bogus company affiliated with a staff member’s family, had also surfaced. He said brand new compactor trucks were not put into use, but were parked; and he had uncovered fuel theft, sold resources unaccounted for, and funds missing.
In early 2013, the services of four top officials of City Hall were terminated following a report submitted by the Auditor General’s Office. Those dismissed were: City Treasurer Anthony Meredith; Town Clerk Yonette Pluck; City Engineer Gregory Erskine and Head of the Solid Waste Management Unit, Hubert Urling.
That AG report had revealed many irregularities, among which were failure to adhere to procurement and financial procedures and record keeping; not taking proper care of council’s assets; reckless incompetence; and, most importantly, being culpable of “failing to deliver on the services expected of the council”.
Gaskin has repeatedly criticised City Hall for not accepting responsibility for non- implementation of the recommendations. He is adamant that City Hall’s failure is based specifically on the laissez faire and corrupt culture of the Councils’ operations.
Asked whether he thinks this new CoI would bear any fruit, the outspoken social commentator and economist said he has faith in retired Justice Cecil Kennard’s delivering. He also believes that the LCG is serious about the issue, because of its move to set up a CoI.
The public hearings will commence on September 24, and are expected to conclude on October 31. The necessary actions will be taken by the Commission after conclusions are drawn from the Inquiry.
The CoI comes two months ahead of Local Government Elections wherein a new executive body would be elected to oversee the activities at the Council.
Over the years, City Hall has complained about lack of funds, which is a mere contradiction to its excessive spending. Concerns were raised over this issue, and it was noted that while the building is in need of repairs, millions of dollars have been squandered excessively.
Town Clerk Royston King has been sent on leave pending the outcome of this CoI.
