A Discussion Site for Good Governance and Corruption in Public Life Issues in the British Overseas Territory of Anguilla in the West Indies, moderated by Don Mitchell CBE QC, of PO Box 83, Anguilla, British West Indies. Email me with your comments and contributions at: idmitch@anguillanet.com.
30 September, 2008
FCO Response
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has published its response to the Report of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
The part dealing with Anguilla starts at paragraph 63.It reads:
63. The Governor of Anguilla continually monitors governance issues in Anguilla, including possible cases of corruption. In the first instance it is for the Territory Government and competent authorities to investigate allegations of bribery. No substantive evidence has come to the Governor’s attention that Anguillian Ministers have accepted bribes from developers. The Chief Minister of Anguilla has publicly rejected the allegations. Nevertheless, the Governor will ask the Government of Anguilla to explain how they plan to deal with the allegations made to the Committee. The Government will inform the Committee of the response.
64. The Government agrees that the constitutional review process is an opportunity to introduce improved good government measures in Anguilla. That is why the Government encourages Territories to move the process forward, while respecting the position that it is for the Territories to bring forward proposals for reform.
So the Foreign Office states, "No substantive evidence has come to the Governor’s attention that Anguillian Ministers have accepted bribes from developers. The Chief Minister of Anguilla has publicly rejected the allegations." And no developer has come forth to the Governor, voluntarily confessing that he bribed the Ministers.
This falls way short of an investigation or enquiry and is very frustrating. And I think it explains Elkin Richardson"s comment about us Anguillians on his programme last night:
"The only difference between ourselves and the people of Iraq and Iran is that we haven't mastered blowing ourselves up."
By what means--short of subpoena power and examination of books, records, and witnesses--would "substantive evidence" of bribery, etc. come to the Governor's attention? And would the gentleman recognize it, even if it hit him in the head?
Now, the Governor will "ask" the GoA to "explain" how they "plan to deal" with the "allegations." And, we are reassured, Government will await the Govenor's response! Let's not hold our breaths regarding the likely response. The GoA will say, "No impropriety here" and--perhaps--express shock and indignation, all of which HM Governor will dutifully transmit.
Mitch, if you think that this is a better response than expected, your low expectations are even lower than my own--and, boy, are mine low.
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The part dealing with Anguilla starts at paragraph 63. It reads:
So the Foreign Office states, "No substantive evidence has come to the Governor’s attention that Anguillian Ministers have accepted bribes from developers. The Chief Minister of Anguilla has publicly rejected the allegations." And no developer has come forth to the Governor, voluntarily confessing that he bribed the Ministers.
ReplyDeleteThis falls way short of an investigation or enquiry and is very frustrating. And I think it explains Elkin Richardson"s comment about us Anguillians on his programme last night:
"The only difference between ourselves and the people of Iraq and Iran is that we haven't mastered blowing ourselves up."
By what means--short of subpoena power and examination of books, records, and witnesses--would "substantive evidence" of bribery, etc. come to the Governor's attention? And would the gentleman recognize it, even if it hit him in the head?
ReplyDeleteNow, the Governor will "ask" the GoA to "explain" how they "plan to deal" with the "allegations." And, we are reassured, Government will await the Govenor's response! Let's not hold our breaths regarding the likely response. The GoA will say, "No impropriety here" and--perhaps--express shock and indignation, all of which HM Governor will dutifully transmit.
Mitch, if you think that this is a better response than expected, your low expectations are even lower than my own--and, boy, are mine low.