PREMIER Alex Scott wants a review of Government departments' financial management systems to clamp down on instances of public money going missing.

Last week Government clerk Clayton Albert Busby was jailed for three months after admitting to stealing $159,493.37 from the Government Employee Heath Insurance scheme.

Another employee of the Accountant General's department has been charged in the disappearance of $1.9 million.

And an Immigration officer is currently on suspension following allegations that money had gone missing.

"We are tremendously disappointed with anyone accused of taking advantage of a position of responsibility," the Premier said.

"We have fought over the years to have Bermudians realise these positions of importance and it's unfortunate when folks take advantage of that.

"I think a review is required. Any time something happens like this, it is important to have a review so you know that your systems are the best.

"Some of these cases have not been heard, so they are only allegations at the moment.

"The fact you and I can talk about it is because they were caught. There is the thought that the system should have revealed it earlier.

"Is Government satisfied that they were caught? No. There's an annual review by the Auditor General and we review the protocols.

"Perhaps we could benefit from a tighter review of the protocols governing financial aspects of our management systems.

"But you have to be careful in any company or department when people are accused, that you don't make your accusation prematurely, that you don't botch the case against them. You have to have clear evidence of wrongdoing."

Last week Opposition Leader Dr. Grant Gibbons called for a review of procedures in light of the money going missing.

Because of the lack of progress in the scandals at Bermuda Housing Corporation and the corruption there, some individuals may feel it is open season on tax-payers' money," Dr. Gibbons said.

"They may feel there is a sense of permissiveness because of the lack of a strong message in terms of either prosecution, or from the Government."