Walters slams Govt ‘secrecy’

Democratic Labour Party Spokesman on finance Senator Ryan Walters has said that Central Bank Governor Dr The Most Honourable Kevin Greenidge’s initial refusal to disclose the cost of the BiMPay project was part of a broader pattern of Government avoiding accountability on matters involving public spending.

His comments came prior to Greenidge’s apology and revelation of the costs associated with BiMPay yesterday evening, after he had declined earlier this week to say how much Barbados spent developing and implementing the national payment platform which was launched last Friday.

“The recent controversy surrounding the refusal to disclose the cost of the BiMPay project is not simply about one question, one journalist or even one public official,” Walters told the DAILY NATION.

“It is symptomatic of a culture that has become embedded within this administration – a culture where legitimate questions are viewed as irritants, scrutiny is treated as opposition and transparency is increasingly considered optional.”

During a press conference on Monday at the Grande Salle of the Tom Adams Financial Centre, called to address some of the teething problems with the launch, the Governor was asked directly by a reporter how much the Central Bank had spent on the project.

“As much as you would like to hear, I ain’t putting no figure on this. Everybody knows what matters. Are you going to pay for it? No. So why do you want to know it for? Read our financial reports and you’ll see it embedded in there,” he responded.

He argued that the focus should be on the benefits BiMPay would bring to the country.

In yesterday’s MIDWEEK NATION, cybersecurity specialist Niel Harper and former DLP Member of Parliament Donville Inniss scolded the Governor, disputing his claim that the Central Bank does not use public funds.

‘Arrogant’

Harper, who is based in Germany, said the suggestion that the public had no right to know the cost amounted to “arrogance at its highest”; while Inniss called the Governor’s conduct “arrogant” and unbecoming of the office. He charged that Greenidge had become too comfortable in the role and was being dismissive of legitimate questions.

Walters said the issue went far beyond the payment platform itself.

“For several years now, Barbadians have witnessed an administration that has become increasingly comfortable dismissing legitimate questions about the management of public finances.

“Whether those questions are raised in Parliament, through the media, by civil society or by members of the Opposition, the response has become predictable: deflect, delay, ignore or attack the messenger,” he said.

The Opposition senator argued that citizens have a right to know how public resources are being used, regardless of whether the expenditure is incurred directly by Government ministries or public institutions.

“The Government does not own the public purse. Ministers are not custodians of private funds. Every dollar that passes through the hands of Government, its ministries, statutory corporations, stateowned enterprises and public institutions belongs ultimately to the people of Barbados,” Walters said.

“Citizens therefore have an unquestionable right to know how their money is being spent, whether value is being achieved and whether appropriate safeguards exist to protect those resources.”

He pointed to a number of issues where he believes questions remain unanswered, including the cost of consultants retained since 2018, expenditure on ministerial travel, the cost and benefits of We Gatherin’ 2025, fuel pricing and the proposed sale of the Holetown Civic Centre.

Walters also referenced the Harrison Point Isolation facility in St Lucy, constructed during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying Barbadians deserved a full accounting of what became of that investment after it ceased operating in its original capacity.

He further questioned the status of HOPE Inc., noting that concerns raised by the Auditor General had yet to be fully addressed through the publication of financial reports.

He also renewed calls for greater transparency surrounding CARIFESTA XV expenditures and infrastructure projects associated with the regional festival.

Detailed report

“Where is the detailed report? Where is the independent assessment? Where is the audit that would allow taxpayers to determine whether this expenditure represented value for money?” Walters asked.

He said similar concerns surrounded monies transferred from the National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS) to facilitate Government programmes, including the Solidarity Allowance and Cost of Living Cash Credit initiative.

“The question is simple: Have those funds been fully repaid to the [NISSS]?”

Walters noted that each issue viewed in isolation might appear manageable, but taken together they revealed a consistent pattern.

“Questions are asked. Most ignored. Answers are promised. Time passes. Reports never appear. Audits are delayed. Costs increase. Deadlines move. Accountability disappears.”

While acknowledging that governments must spend money and undertake major projects, he insisted that public expenditure must always be accompanied by disclosure and oversight.

“The issue is whether there is adequate transparency, accountability, oversight and reporting surrounding that spending. Transparency is not achieved through PR stunts, speeches, press conferences or political rhetoric. Transparency is achieved through disclosure.” (CLM)

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