By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Senior Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
POLICE questioned Water and Sewerage General Manager Elwood Donaldson for hours yesterday as part of their investigation into matters affecting the institution, The Tribune understands.
Mr Donaldson, who was placed on leave in December as the investigation continued, was invited to a police station, interviewed and released yesterday evening pending the investigation, according to a source who spoke to this newspaper anonymously because they were not authorised to speak on the matter.
Mr Donaldson was the only person interviewed in connection with the matter yesterday but The Tribune understands the police have invited others to the Central Detective Unit in recent weeks and have questioned them as well.
The parameters of the investigation have not been publicized, but an audit into the corporation––which was leaked to the media and reported by Eyewitness News last week––found red flags in the operations of the institution.
According to Eyewitness News, the Internal Compliance Division at the institution allegedly revealed “high-level corrupt transactions” concerning multiple projects. The audit accuses a former executive member of conflict of interest and fraud.
The investigation, according to the report, is part of a probe into the issuance of contracts and the management of the corporation under the Minnis administration.
“This special investigation unveiled apparent conflict of interest, lack of due diligence, and poor professional judgment on the part of the former Board and former General Manager Elwood Donaldson in their respective capacities,” the report claimed.
“In addition, the evidence persuaded the auditors that there were high-level corrupt transactions that caused significant financial losses to the corporation under the direction of the former board and the former general manager, possibly motivated by self-interest, financial gain, or fraud,” the report suggested.
Comments
KapunkleUp 1 year, 11 months ago
Being a government corporation, any unlawful acts discovered during the audit will no doubt be swept under the rug. Worst case outcome is probably retirement with full benefits of those caught stealing tax payer money. After all, "following the money" will in all likelihood lead to embarrassing high level conclusions.
ThisIsOurs 1 year, 11 months ago
Lol. "let the chips fall where they may". I wonder if we is the only country where the chips is make a beeline for the toilet bowl
themessenger 1 year, 11 months ago
It’s a “New Day”, the witch hunt shoe is on the other foot now.
ThisIsOurs 1 year, 11 months ago
Reading the top of the story I said anyone could be asked anything, it means nothing. But later down it makes specific reference to an audit report using the term "fraud". Audiors dont use that word lightly. So even though I see no evidence that any specific person was charged, I know 2 things. I know the auditors uncovered very suspicious transactions and I know who was in charge.
ThisIsOurs 1 year, 11 months ago
I remember the exact minute they announced Adrian Gibson would be board chairman. I said here "this is a disaster waiting to happen". Whether "it" happened by ommission or commission is a moot point.
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