Jun 16 - GSD Calls For Financial Secretary Transparency
In light of the budget being held next week, the GSD has called on the Chief Minister to answer a letter from Deputy Leader Damon Bossino, dated 6th November 2014, concerning the terms of theengagement of the Financial Secretary, Albert Mena.
Robert Vasquez, GSD spokesman on Parliamentary and Democratic Matters, said: "The post of Financial Secretary is one of the more senior and important appointments in the public service. He plays a pivotal role in the public finances, including the Gibraltar Savings Bank.
“It is imperative that there is openness and transparency on the terms of his appointment. The choice was made to appoint to the post directly (without advertising) someone previously in legal practice with whom the Chief Minister had a close relationship and who is not a career Civil Servant.
“It is wrong that the Chief Minister has still not answered the enclosed letter seven months after it was sent to him. We call on him to reply without further delay.
“The GSD and I wish to emphasize that this issue is not about Mr Mena personally. It is about the manner in which the direct appointment was made and the terms of his engagement, about which there has to be openness and transparency in order to avoid any perception of conflicts of interests being in play in his appointment and his performing the role."
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