Governor's assurance on Brown police probe

FRIDAY, JUNE 17: “There are no sacred cows in Bermuda”, Governor Sir Richard Gozney said yesterday, as police began a probe into allegations made in court against former Premier Dr Ewart Brown.

His message was one of reassurance that any allegations of corruption would be thoroughly investigated “without fear of favour” — and no matter who was involved.

He added that Commissioner of Police Michael DeSilva would be keeping him up to date on the progress of the investigation.

Last night, Dr Brown welcomed the police investigation and said he would cooperate with detectives.

Sir Richard said the Foreign Office in London was aware of the allegations, which were made by businessman David Bolden and involve financial matters. Dr Brown has publicly denied the claims.

The Governor said: “There are no sacred cows in Bermuda and there are not likely to be because the constitution enshrines the principle that the police, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the courts can do their business of investigation, prosecution and judgment without fear or favour.

“That’s why they are appointed by the Governor of the day rather than the elected -government.

“As long as -Britain has international responsibility for Bermuda — which will be for as long as Bermuda wants us to play that role — then we shall continue, as laid down in the constitution, to oversee the agencies of law and order.”

Sir Richard added that the Foreign Office in London was aware of the allegations: “The Foreign Office, like me, attach a great deal of importance to the effectiveness of the agencies which would illuminate and investigate any allegations of corruption. There is no daylight between London and myself on this.

“They see, like me, the difference between inefficiencies — and sometimes inefficiencies bordering on a certain casual attitude towards contracts — and any suggestion of criminality. There is a big difference.”

The Boldens were cleared on Tuesday of charges of stealing $272,000 from Emerald Capital International and of money laundering, but convicted of misleading the BMA. They will be sentenced next month.

The Royal Gazette reported that Mr Bolden made allegations about Dr Brown, under oath, on June 8 — at a time the jury was not present. The Bermuda Sun was not present in court when the allegations were made.

Perjury

Dr Brown — who has publicly denied the claims and instructed lawyers to look at mounting a private prosecution for perjury against Mr Bolden — failed in a legal bid to prevent publication of the allegations. In a statement reported by The Royal Gazette, Dr Brown reportedly said: “This outrageous accusation is a total fabrication.”

Sir Richard told us: “What Mr Bolden said during their trial was clearly a striking allegation. We have talked to the police. Our role in overseeing the police is to leave to them operation matters, but to talk to them quite extensively about presentation and prioritization.

“The next step for the police is an operational matter and one which the Commissioner has briefed me on. He will continue to keep me in the picture.

“A significant part of the role of Governor is to keep in very close and sympathetic touch with the agencies of law and order and transparency.

“Otherwise, we’re left with international responsibility and no influence on what happens on the ground.

“We are aiming to exercise that international responsibility and local oversight of the police and one or two other agencies in the fullest possible consultation with the elected government of Bermuda.”

Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva yesterday confirmed to the Sun that enquiries had been launched into the allegations, but declined to comment further.