Auditor?s report tabled and read in Cabinet ? no reaction yet

Cabinet has read the controversial Auditor General?s report into the Bermuda Housing Corporation, understands.

But when a statement to the public will be made about the report remains uncertain, according to a Government spokeswoman yesterday. Auditor General Larry Dennis was ordered by Government to complete a special report into the BHC in 2002 after concerns were raised about mismanagement and corruption at the Government quango.

His report sparked a Police investigation into the BHC. Former Premier Jennifer Smith was sent the completed Auditor General?s report, however sent it back citing concerns about the Police investigation. The report has remained unpublished since, though was able to publish highlights from it last year when it was leaked to the newspaper.

With the Police investigation into the matter completed several weeks ago, Premier Alex Scott requested to see the Auditor General?s report. He received it last week, and promised to bring it to Cabinet on Tuesday.

Mr. Scott withheld his own reaction to the report until he could discuss it with Cabinet. Last week he promised that the report would be released to the public as soon as possible after Cabinet Ministers had the chance to read and comment on it. He also promised that Government would follow the Auditor General?s recommendations regarding the BHC, which are separate from the report.

Though this newspaper attempted to contact most Government Ministers yesterday, the only one we were able to reach was Health Minister Patrice Minors. When asked her reaction to the report, Mrs. Minors said she understood a statement from the Premier would be made soon, and that statement should present a collective reaction to the report.

Jamaican robbed on Union Street

Two men robbed a Jamaican visitor of $80 and jewellery on Union Street early yesterday morning.

The visitor was walking along Union Street at around 2.50 a.m. when he was approached by two men. One of the men wrestled him to the ground while the second man punched the visitor in the face and then took his gold chain, two rings and approximately $80 in cash.

One suspect is described as a dark skinned male, of medium build, in his mid 30s. The other suspect is described as a brown-skinned man of medium build in his mid 30s. Police are investigating the incident and anyone with any information should contact the Hamilton Criminal Investigation Unit on 295-0011.

School Clothing Drive launched

Hands of Love Ministries began its eighth annual School Clothing Drive this week and director Fern Wade is eager to begin collecting for underprivileged children.

In its first year the drive assisted 50 students and last year it reached 600, Ms Wade said. ?It is definitely growing. We are looking for schoolbags, school shirts (sizes eight to 20), bus passes, and knee-length school socks of all colours.?

This year, Hands of Love is also hoping for food vouchers to be donated. Those interested in donating can call Ms Wade during the day at 238-7368, or in the evening at 238-2059. She is willing to travel to donors to collect their donations.

Businesses and supermarkets have also come on board, and Ms Wade appealed for anyone interesting in donating to contact her. The drive will continue until September 24.

Those wishing to donate money can send their donations to the Hands of Love at PO Box HM 3281, Hamilton, HM PX. At the end of October Hands of Love will be opening a House of Bread at their Camp Hill location, Ms Wade said.

The House of Bread will be a food bank, distributing foodstuffs in bottles, boxes or cans to those in need. ?The need is growing on a daily basis.?

Sick man gets court delay

It was a late start in Magistrates? Court yesterday because a Southampton man suffered an apparent seizure.

Angelo Williams was in court to answer a charge of driving with out a licence but collapsed before proceedings began.

A Police officer ran to call 911 after Williams began violently shaking. A few minutes later Williams stood up and appeared to be okay, although a little bewildered. Williams was sent to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and later released.

Handbag stolen at Blue Juice

A man made off with a Gucci bag after an American visitor left it unattended at Blue Juice night club early yesterday morning.

The tan coloured Gucci bag contained a LG cellular phone, approximately $40 in cash and other personal items.

The complainant?s friend saw a light-skinned black man in a bright blue shirt and khaki shorts take the bag from a table. The complainant and her friend followed the man and confronted him about stealing her bag. The thief was able to dodge the visitors and ran from the club.

Police are investigating the incident and anyone with information should contact the Hamilton Criminal Investigation Unit on 295-0011.