Written by: Shadow Finance Minister Senator Dr. Douglas De Couto
Government has not answered questions about which MPs and Senators are receiving compensation from public funds, over and above their legislative and Ministerial salaries.
This is yet another example of the PLP Government choosing to stonewall and fail to provide information in good faith about its activities to the public.
Last Monday we submitted written questions in the Senate, asking which legislators are receiving any extra compensation, and how much. In full compliance with Senate rules, we requested answer in the Senate today, and our questions were relayed to the Government via Minister Darrell last Wednesday. However, Government did not respond until the end of the working day on Tuesday the 24th, claiming that it was too difficult for them to answer the question, and that the question was too wide-ranging.
On the face of it, we find it implausible that the Government does now know which MPs and Senators are being employed or otherwise paid, and where. If true, it would be very concerning that the Government does not seem to know who it is paying for what. And if not true, then it is yet another attempt by the Government to avoid providing information to the Bermudian public, counter to what should be the spirit of accountability and transparency.
Unfortunately, like the Bermudian public, we are not surprised by the Government’s response. We are left to ask, what extra monies are Government legislators receiving, and why won’t Government answer that question?