Dear Sir,

Reading the story titled “Deficiencies in financial controls” in your newspaper yesterday [Saturday] almost made me sick to my stomach.

The Auditor-General released reports documenting the results of audits of the Consolidated Fund for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012.

What she said was unbelievable and made me ponder how such could happen. These audits were qualified, which is not a good thing, as a qualified audit is one that indicates the auditor cannot make heads or tails of where the money went.

Her concerns included “inappropriate procedures” and inadequate accounting for transactions. The Auditor-General stated “millions paid without signed contracts or agreements”. Can you believe that? In addition, significant contracts “not tendered” with millions paid without prior approval. As a taxpayer who struggles to pay what is due, how is it that our money was so ill-spent?

Why has no one been held to account for what might have been corrupt practice or malfeasance? Was there criminal behaviour carried out in the delving out of taxpayers’ monies? Will there be investigations into what appears to be suspicious activity in the past? Can the recently introduced Pati legislation help?

Since 2012 we have a new government, one that I sincerely hope will be obtaining audits that we all can accept. Bermuda deserves leaders that are accountable.

DISGUSTED