DLP Criticizes Central Bank Governor's Transparency on BiMPay Costs

“Whether those questions are raised in Parliament, through the media, by civil society or by members of the Opposition, the response has become predictable: deflect, delay, ignore or attack the messenger,” he said.

The Opposition senator argued that citizens have a right to know how public resources are being used, regardless of whether the expenditure is incurred directly by Government ministries or public institutions.

“The Government does not own the public purse. Ministers are not custodians of private funds. Every dollar that passes through the hands of Government, its ministries, statutory corporations, stateowned enterprises and public institutions belongs ultimately to the people of Barbados,” Walters said.

“Citizens therefore have an unquestionable right to know how their money is being spent, whether value is being achieved and whether appropriate safeguards exist to protect those resources.”

He pointed to a number of issues where he believes questions remain unanswered, including the cost of consultants retained since 2018, expenditure on ministerial travel, the cost and benefits of We Gatherin’ 2025, fuel pricing and the proposed sale of the Holetown Civic Centre.

Walters also referenced the Harrison Point Isolation facility in St Lucy, constructed during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying Barbadians deserved a full accounting of what became of that investment after it ceased operating in its original capacity.

He further questioned the status of HOPE Inc., noting that concerns raised by the Auditor General had yet to be fully addressed through the publication of financial reports.

He also renewed calls for greater transparency surrounding CARIFESTA XV expenditures and infrastructure projects associated with the regional festival.

Detailed report

“Where is the detailed report? Where is the independent assessment? Where is the audit that would allow taxpayers to determine whether this expenditure represented value for money?” Walters asked.

He said similar concerns surrounded monies transferred from the National Insurance and Social Security Service (NISSS) to facilitate Government programmes, including the Solidarity Allowance and Cost of Living Cash Credit initiative.

“The question is simple: Have those funds been fully repaid to the [NISSS]?”

Walters noted that each issue viewed in isolation might appear manageable, but taken together they revealed a consistent pattern.

“Questions are asked. Most ignored. Answers are promised. Time passes. Reports never appear. Audits are delayed. Costs increase. Deadlines move. Accountability disappears.”

While acknowledging that governments must spend money and undertake major projects, he insisted that public expenditure must always be accompanied by disclosure and oversight.

“The issue is whether there is adequate transparency, accountability, oversight and reporting surrounding that spending. Transparency is not achieved through PR stunts, speeches, press conferences or political rhetoric. Transparency is achieved through disclosure.” (CLM)