We have published the Minutes of the Deputy Governor and Chief Officer’s Meeting from 25^th June 2012 and we must compliment Franz Manderson for sending them to the media each month.

One of the main items on the Agenda was agreement that the Government Administration Building should be used as a shelter, in the event of a natural disaster, such as a hurricane.

Hazard Management and Facilities Management are to be asked to assist with formulating a plan which will set out details outlining the extent to which the building can be occupied, persons who will be given access and to what areas of the building, along with other logistical and safety considerations.

I hope this plan will come forth and be approved speedily as we are already nearly a month and a half into the Hurricane Period and rapidly approaching the most active times for hurricane development in our area.

I am somewhat surprised this has not been dealt with sooner and not left to when we are actually already in the hurricane season. Everyone knows when it is and I have to ask why there has been this delay?

Another important area that was discussed was the submission of accounts being “encouraged” to be submitted by Chief Officers “in advance of the 31st August deadline, preferably by no later than the 24th August.” The words “of a higher quality” are used and “Chief Financial Officers must be held accountable for the timeliness and quality of the accounts.”

I wonder what criteria the “encouragement” entails e.g. “pats on the back”, “help”, “sweet talk”, or “you’re fired if you don’t get the job done”? What happens to Chief Financial Officers who do not produce “timeliness” and “quality” accounts? The word “must” was inserted but I want to know if disciplinary action is taken and/or dismissal is on the agenda if these officers fail to produce. Otherwise all these words are “cheap” and nothing more than “window dressing”.

Concerns were also raised that “Civil Servants and Board Members were not aware of the provisions of the Cayman Islands Anti-corruption Law, which came into effect in 2010.”

The Attorney General, Hon. Sam Bulgin, has warned the law will have a significant impact, not just on public officials, but also those in the private sector and general public that work or engage with public officials, because of potential conflicts of interest along with other issues.

Probably as a result of this, it was agreed at the meeting to invite the Director of Public Prosecutions, Courts Administrator and Solicitor General to attend in future.

I think that is a very good idea.