John Ryan
Jeevan, you have been pushing in your various commentaries over the past months that there were allegations of fraudulent behavior at the MDC. As an Investigative Journalist it is incumbent on you to now provide your readers with the facts. It is obvious to me from your recent postings that you aware of the contents of the Report. Can you therefore explain why you have not yet advised your readers that no financial irregularities existed.
As a fact-checker perhaps therefore you may wish to ask DFID the following questions in the interest of the people of Montserrat.
1. Why has the DFID internal audit/assurance review not been circulated to the new Chairman and Board of MDC whose responsibility it is to ensure that its recommendations on policies and procedures are implemented?
2. Do DFID whistleblowing procedures require that all internal complaints procedures be exhausted first and that the credibility and motivation of the whistleblower are examined before action is taken? If so, were these requirements followed in the case of allegations against MDC?
3. Has DFID examined how and why the allegations from a supposed whistleblower were purportedly sent from the email address of an MDC staff member who when being approached by the DFID Internal Auditor on the matter, categorically denied having sent the email.
4. Why did the DFID Programme Manager in Montserrat, while a Board Member of the MDC, fail to pass to the MDC Board a legal letter dated November 20, 2014, intimating action against MDC by its Director of Infrastructure?
John E Ryan
Former Chaiman of MDC
