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In the past week, my colleagues have been speaking of the Government's loss of control over its spending on major capital projects. This loss of control is particularly concerning given that it has occurred in the midst of an economic downturn, which has exacerbated pressures that cause business closings and downsizing, redundancies and layoffs.

I am pleased to hear from persons who are now starting to speak out despite their fear of Government intimidation. I encourage them to continue speaking out and to say that the UBP will help channel their concerns. Call me or any one of my colleagues. We will go to bat for you because our concerns are one and the same.

It is my view that only through continuous vocal pressure can we force this government to be more responsible with taxpayer money.

Bob Richards this week has spoken forcefully about the Finance Minister's "clear failure" to manage the public purse, in light of this years' $100 million shortfall in government finances.

Today I would like to focus particular attention on the Minister of Tourism and Transportation, who is responsible for the lion's share of that shortfall.

This minister alone among his 12-member Cabinet was exempted by the Finance Minister from having his projects managed by the Department of Works & Engineering.

The first question we have on this point is, why? What was it about this minister's record that warranted this special exemption? And what is it about his handling of the Port Royal renovation, the Dockyard pier construction that allows it to continue - projects that are at least $40 million over budget?

How can anyone believe that his record as a manager of these projects is satisfactory? On this point we need to hear from the Finance Minister. Does she support this performance? Does she believe a 100 per cent overspend on the Dockyard pier is acceptable?

The management failures of the Minister of Transport and Tourism extend beyond the capital projects mentioned above. There is also the BAS/Sovereign legal dispute that recently led the Supreme Court to order the Government to pay a $2.7 million penalty for launching an action to undo BAS's exclusive contract for private air services at the airport.

There is also the untendered renewal of Global Hue's tourism contract - valued at $28 million over two years - despite serious questions about its performance in the role and unanswered questions from the Auditor General about its business practices.

We recall last year, when the Minister of Tourism and Transportation, in his capacity as Premier, fired the Education Minister for his failures to perform in reforming the public education system. That action begs the question today: What would the Premier do with a minister whose irresponsible management of capital projects was undermining the Government's overall budget for the year? Would he not fire the

Minister?

Kim Swan is leader of the United Bermuda Party.

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