Jun 04 - Government Repeats Its Position On Investigation Into Alleged Bullying
The Government has said that the Opposition’s latest “outburst” on the subject of an allegation of bullying trainees suggests that they have lost the ability to read. Having said that, Number Six notes that this particular allegation is again credited to Mr Hammond, who is not a Member of Parliament and who therefore, argues the Government, cannot speak for the Opposition. That notwithstanding, says the Government, Mr Hammond criticizes the Chief Minister for failing to manage the investigation ‘in a fair and transparent manner.’
A statement from Number Six continues:
“From the very outset, the Government has made it clear that, as the original allegations were made against a Civil Servant, the investigation process would be carried out by the Civil Service.
“And, as recently as 21 April (in Press Release number 243/2015), ‘The Government takes this opportunity to remind the Opposition that this is an independent inquiry, commissioned by the Chief Minister, to be conducted by the Civil Service. As such, there has been no Ministerial or political involvement in this inquiry whatsoever and the Opposition’s allegations against the Government in their latest press release reveal a severe misunderstanding on their part of how such investigations are undertaken.’
“Which part of the paragraph above does the Opposition (or Mr Hammond) not understand?
“It is difficult to spell out the Government’s position in more simple terms but, essentially, the investigation is being carried out by the Civil Service and not by the Government. The Chief Minister does not micro-manage issues which are outside his remit to do so.
“Is that any easier to understand?
“Interestingly it appears the GSD is intent on confirming that Mr Feetham if Chief Minister would happily sit as judge, jury and executioner in the disciplinary processes that might affect any civil servant. Another reason for civil servants in particular to add to the Toblerone Mountain of reasons not to put him in a position of ministerial responsibility again!”
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