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Missing, incomplete documents stall Pier Project Forensic Audit—Premier

The promised detailed forensic audit into the Cruise Pier Project—plagued by a more than $40M cost overrun—has been stalled since, “information requested or referred to in the report has not been located or would need to be corroborated by persons no longer connected with the BVI Ports Authority.” Photo: BVIPA
Opposition Leader, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), requested of Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), “a detailed report of the progress on the forensic audit commissioned by the government on the Cruise Pier Project,” and “what has caused the delays.” Photo: VINO/File
Opposition Leader, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), requested of Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), “a detailed report of the progress on the forensic audit commissioned by the government on the Cruise Pier Project,” and “what has caused the delays.” Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - The promised detailed forensic audit into the Cruise Pier Project—plagued by a more than $40M cost overrun—has been stalled since, “information requested or referred to in the report has not been located or would need to be corroborated by persons no longer connected with the BVIPA (BVI Ports Authority).”

The damning state of affairs was revealed in the House of Assembly (HoA), during its July 24, 2018, sitting by Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL).

Earlier Commitment   

He was at the time responding to questions posed in the HoA by Opposition Leader, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), who requested of Dr Smith, “a detailed report of the progress on the forensic audit commissioned by the government on the Cruise Pier Project,” and “what has caused the delays.”

According to the Premier, a confidential draft report had been submitted to the BVI Ports Authority management for their review and comments.

He reminded of an earlier commitment that once the report was finalised and submitted to the Ministry of Finance, the House would be further updated. 

Dr Smith during the House’s July 24, 2018, sitting reported however, that the report’s completion has since been impacted by incomplete records and the separation of some persons who have significant knowledge of the project.

Cabinet to decide on public viewing

He said nonetheless, the initial report has also been submitted to the BVI Ports Authority’s parent Ministry, the Ministry of Communications and Works for its comments. 

These comments are yet to be finalized and as such, the Ministry of Finance is therefore yet to receive the final report.

Asked for a possible timeline on when the completed Forensic Audit Report would be made public, Dr Smith told members of the HoA, “…once the report is received by the Ministry of Finance it will be submitted to Cabinet for consideration.”

He said, at that time, Cabinet will then make a determination as to when the report will be made public.

Many residents, the Opposition in the HoA and civil society continue to doubt the credibility of the Forensic Audit, when they have said that government should not be auditing itself.

 

22 Responses to “Missing, incomplete documents stall Pier Project Forensic Audit—Premier”

  • Jessica Jones (29/07/2018, 11:02) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    No surprise here.
  • Case of missing Documents (29/07/2018, 12:07) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    Those documents has been shreaded and burned at the local dump. The thieves who lined their pockets like any other thief would do thought, we got this. Always remember, one of the thieves in the bunch still have recipits. It is called if I go down, you are going down also. Investergators, don't let this end up under the rug. Just keep digging and you will find what you are looking for.
    • LO LO (30/07/2018, 10:27) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
      That is one of the reason the //// were lighted and check out who was there helping
      This is the most corrupt government history. The //////// and the SP for him is two dangerous person in that government people we have to get them /// out fast and clean house and start fresh to build back this place. And do not vote for anyone of his family or relative I heard they are cooking up a steam we got to put water on that steam
    • Hugh Darley (03/08/2018, 13:23) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      I have a100% of all files and communications through April 1st 2014. I am still waiting on my payment for all fees related to the design of the project. What do you need? I have the line item budget of the project to be built under our agreement for a guanteed $45 Million. But he when the Minister and First caribbean saw they had $90 million guarantee they pushed us out, corruption came in then you spend $87 million. Just follow the money.
  • Windy (29/07/2018, 12:44) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    How convenient. A bunch of thieves
  • Political Observer (PO) (29/07/2018, 12:58) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    OK, Consultants too often bend towards the needs/ bent of the client; of course, consultant are always in need of future work. The relationship between the government and consultant is too close. From the beginning, the Governor’s Office should have commissioned a commission of inquiry; it has belatedly done so. NOnetheles; in regards to the agency that is performing audit, should it not be interviewing people, collecting documents, compiling its findings and developing and submitting a report? Why does the Port or any other agency have to review the report before it is submitted? Is the purpose to sanitize the report; is it self-serving? Why are documents missing? Are they missing due to sloppy record keeping or other reasons?
  • one eye (29/07/2018, 14:02) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    still no one will go to jail
  • Quantity survey (29/07/2018, 14:52) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    If the invoices are missing can a quantity survey estimate materials and cost? Can a real estate values estimate the current market value of what we have? If these come in at $30m then personal responsible for the project need to account for the difference, at least lose their jobs at most go to jail for serious misuse of public funds ( they should be kicked out NOW for not maintaining proper records)
    • @quantity survey (30/07/2018, 12:56) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      I worked on that job and we did have a quantity surveyor. for the government to say that no documents exist is a LIE.. it is possible to account for the money
  • guy hill (29/07/2018, 15:19) Like (28) Dislike (1) Reply
    There is no excuse for being irresponsible. How ever you flip this. This is being irresponsible.
  • Table and chair (29/07/2018, 21:11) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    There are ppl still there..... what about the overall head ..... table and chair
  • need (29/07/2018, 21:55) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Everyone who was involved with the Pier Park project should be hauled into Court. Heck, even the janitor who empty the trash should be hauled into court. I agree, complète iresponsibility.
  • Concerned (29/07/2018, 22:38) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Which department or what persons are responsible for the missing documents? Some one has to be responsible and accountable. This is no excuse. What ever department heads or particular persons responsible for the missing documents should be endited immediately for questioning, and if proper answers are not given, should be retained for trial. This situation is not a joke. Despite the situation the country is in, these legislatures continue to hand out contracts to their friends without the proper procedures followed, without any concern for accountability. This is accountability time and they would no longer get away with this mess. Time is up, shape up or ship out.
  • Eagle Eye (30/07/2018, 03:04) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    I convince these politicians need locking up in dark cells
  • Pill (30/07/2018, 05:02) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a hard one to swallow. The former governor could have called for an inquiry on the project and he refused, referring to gossip. Documents would have been found then. Whoever is responsible must be held accountable. The ministry must give answers. All who dealt with that project under the ministry must be answerable in the courts. We are talking about ax payers money.
  • More lies (30/07/2018, 12:43) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    I worked on that job and to say all the records are gone IS LIES! MORE LIES.... all the purchase orders, sub contracts etc still exist!
    when will the NDP stop all the lies!
    • Well (30/07/2018, 18:01) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Whoever you are, if you can prove this, then go public and speak up before the. British Feds start rapping at your door. I believe everyone who worked on that project is going to be hauled in soon.
      • @Well (31/07/2018, 10:52) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
        I did go to the powers that be and they had no interest in talking! If they want to talk they know who I am,.
  • Consultants (31/07/2018, 10:51) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Pull in all the consultants NDP have hired and ask for their reports. TTP had one from St Lucia gone home now to build house and Tourism Board still have one paying sitting in StLucia . All this money on these so called consultants and things still a mess !
  • king (31/07/2018, 16:41) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr. Skelton have them in his big house on the hill
    • Overtime (02/08/2018, 21:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I’d be looking at all that weekend overtime on the north shore yassuh


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