The recent Auditor-General’s report on the former Progressive Labour Party government’s handling of the public purse, regarding a number of transactions was far from complimentary, and in fact, left many questions hanging over why there was no accountability over matters where it was clear that various transactions fell below expected standards, according to rules in place to protect the Bermuda taxpayers’ wallet.

What bothers many voters, even some with unshakeable support for one side or the other, is that the Auditor-General’s office, in performing its duty of monitoring expenditure, is committed to carrying out that responsibility in the highest professional manner, without bias. That will always be debated, depending on one’s political persuasion.

The auditor’s report highlights violations of proper rules regarding a number of transactions of the previous administration, and noted that in certain decisions there seemed a reluctance to play by the rules. This created additional problems in trying to pinpoint accountability where decisions crossed the line in spending procedures.

The report was not surprising, since for several years, the Auditor-General’s office had from time to time raised the issue of accountability and the inability to get answers to a number of queries involving details surrounding who authorised certain payments on various projects and without proper clearance. Even those without financial degrees, or knowledge of accounting, know something is wrong when there are more questions than answers when it comes to financial matters.

It is nothing new that, in the world of politics, truth and transparency have a difficult time staying on the surface.

The One Bermuda Alliance government learnt the hard way, not long after taking office, that flirting with transparency can carry a heavy price. Without regurgitating the Jetgate scandal, which led to a change in leadership, the importance of keeping transparency out front while conducting the people’s business should never be second place to any initiative. That is what the Bermuda citizens demand and expect.

Since that disturbing event, the OBA government has regrouped and appears committed to conducting business with more awareness that the public are in no mood for being kept in the dark on matters concerning the welfare of all Bermudians.

It is also essential that our Island should avoid falling into that “gotcha politics” syndrome, which serves only to keep divisiveness alive.

On the other hand, unanswered questions over government spending during the previous administration should never be swept under the carpet. To do so would open the door for any future government to engage in conduct that may not be illegal, but highly questionable and also out of step with proper procedures.

Hopefully, the final report from the outgoing Auditor-General, Heather Jacobs Matthews, will be seen as a wake-up call for legislators to review procedures to ensure proper management of the public purse and to avoid a trail of unanswered questions ever happening again.

The credibility of a politician grows when truth and transparency are seen by the public as key principles while holding office.

There are times when these values are challenged by the party stance on certain issues. This is when a politician has to decide whether to toe the party line on a controversial topic, or stand firm for what he or she believes to be the right thing to do, without fear of political consequences.

Bermuda has crucial problems to deal with, and neither the OBA nor the PLP have all the answers.

As we approach the Christmas season, which has a way of softening attitudes, we should all hope that during this period, our legislators will pause, and reflect, on how best to serve the needs of the people in a more co-operative spirit that would rise above political interest.

The world is facing difficult times, especially in the area of security, as terrorism continues to threaten stability, with no area totally off limits. This is more reason why there is little room for our politicians to be at each other’s throats over who has the best plan for Bermuda’s future.

Many controversial issues will require careful consideration with public input before taking action that could have a lasting impact on community life, either in a negative or positive way.

Any plan must be based on sound values that build stronger communities, rather than cater to what seems the popular thing to do.

Doing what is right may not be popular, but it will always be right.