OCG issues damning report against former mayor of Lucea

The Office of  the Contractor General (OCG) has found instances of nepotism, favouritism, and conflicts of  interest in the awarding of contracts to relatives and persons affiliated with former Lucea Mayor, Shernet Haughton.

According to the OCG's report tabled on Tuesday afternoon in the House of  Representatives, twenty-two contracts, valued of  $3.7 million were awarded by the Hanover Parish Council to relatives and persons affiliated toHaughton

The report highlights, that the former mayor awarded contracts to her husband, sisters and a brother along with daughters and son as well as brother and sisters-in-law.

The report also states that the recommendation for the award of contracts by Miss Haughton to persons related to or affiliated to her was a shameless and brazen act and in all the circumstances unethical.

Last year, PNP councillors in the Hanover Parish Council expressed their lack of  confidence in her leadership of  the local authority.

There were also issues raised about her handling of  the finances of  the local body.         

Recommendation

The OCG has recommended that Haughton  should relinquish her post as Councillor of  the Green Island Division

The OCG will be referring a copy of  its report to the Office of  the Director of  Public Prosecutions, for consideration and investigation.

The OCG says the Office of  the Director of  Public Prosecutions is to determine whether the former Mayor breached laws including, the Contractor General Act ,the Code of  Ethics for Councillors, Public Sector Procurement Procedures as well the Parish Councils Act.