The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe has ordered a probe into allegations of corruption, conflict of interest and misappropriation of funds at the Gaming Board, The Tribune has learned.

Last night, Mr Wilchcombe said his ministry was obligated to investigate the claims he received by an anonymous letter, but said that allegations appear to be unsupported.

Mr Wilchcombe said: “We have an obligation to look at everything being said, but to this point there has been nothing to suggest that any individual has done anything untoward or criminality. It seems to me to be a personal attack against someone but we do have an obligation to look into anything that has been said.”

While some allegations stem from the recent

implementation of accounting software initially purchased by the Gaming Board in 2000, staff point to long-standing concerns over nepotism, conflicts of interest and full access to information technology by non-staff members.

According to sources, the Gaming Board purchased Accpac Accounting Software from Crystal Technologies to streamline payroll processing. Since purchasing the software, the board has maintained a consultant from Crystal Technologies to configure the software and upgrade its databases. 

Mr Wilchcombe said yesterday that the contract was legitimately received, and that the ministry was only looking into claims that the consultant had independent access to the building.

“Whether or not [claims] are just mischief caused by staff or whether there is factual evidence to support claims, this contract has been in for a while and was legitimately received,” he said. “We’re a new administration, and what I do throughout the ministry is look at anything that happens to ensure that all procedures are being done with the highest standard.”

According to sources, the Informational Technology (IT) department does not have access to the accounting programme, and to date there has been no approval given for training to familiarize staff with the software.

As a result, it was alleged that the consultant has full and remote access to personnel files and control over accounts, including casinos and government funds.

It was further alleged that Crystal Technologies is paid $4,000 per month, and on-site tasks are billed at $175 per hour.

The software was implemented on January 1, according to sources, who claim that payroll functions were removed from the portfolio of the Accounts Department and given to the Personnel Department at that time.

Last night, Bahamas Public Services Union John Pinder said he spoke to Mr Wilchcombe last week about concerns raised by staff members over the consultant’s access to sensitive information and the propensity for malfeasance.

Mr Pinder said the board has denied union calls for the establishment of a Human Resources department and manager at the Gaming Board.

Mr Pinder said: “It was brought to my attention that there is a contract to a relative [at the Gaming Board]. This administration is looking into some report or allegation that this consultant has control over a lot of the information at the IT department, and access to the building. The person that is second-in-command doesn’t have access to the building.”

The Gaming Board was established in August 1969 and is divided into: Investigations, Enforcement, Audit, and Information Technology and Electronics.

Chairman Dr Andre Rollins has said the board was also looking to add an in-house Legal Department.