At the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting on Thursday (19) Cayman Islands Auditor General, Alastair Swarbrick, corrected a statement made by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gilbert Connolly of the Tourism Attraction Board, that although the Auditor General’s Office (AGO) had “found seriously lax [accounting] procedures” at the Pirates Week Office “there were no findings of fraud.”

 

Swarbrick, referring to his report on all the Attraction Boards’ Accounts, said, “Our findings were indicative of fraud and misappropriation, but without further information, we could not complete.“

 

At that time the Executive Director of Pirates Week was Bernie Bush, who is now the United Democratic Party (UDP) Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for West Bay. The appointment of Bernie Bush as the chief pirate was at the suggestion of then premier, McKeeva Bush. When Bernie Bush resigned to run for public office Melanie McField was appointed in his place.

 

Connolly, upon McField’s appointment said, “the selection process was rigorous, transparent and without political interference.”

 

The Tourism Attraction Board oversees Pedro St. James, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, Pirate’s Week, the Cayman Craft Market and West Bay’s Hell attraction.