Credit card scandal rolls on

| 19/08/2014

(CNS): Following the recent revelations by the auditor general over the misuse of government credit cards, hospitality and travel expenses by senior government officials and ministers, samples of credit card statements that illustrate the extent of the abuse have been passed to CNS by a reader. The statements, which come from various government departments, show politicians and public sector employees spending extravagantly on the government dollar while at home and overseas and undoubtedly using the public sector cards for personal use, including expensive purchases for jewellery as well as for general shopping in US department stores. There is no indication, however, on the released records when any personal costs were paid back or whether any minister or civil servant was ever questioned about non-business related charges.

The sample credit statements of government credit cards given to CNS and published below are extracts from the spending records of Kurt Tibbetts and the card used at times by Arden McLean when they were ministers during the PPM administration between 2005 and 2009 and a record of the spending of Juliana O’Connor-Connolly when she was a minister and premier during the last UDP and minority government between 2009 and 2013.

The documents also include snapshots of the spending records of chief officers Kearney Gomez, Carson Ebanks, Alan Jones and Gloria McField-Nixon. The records have been given to CNS by a reader who wishes to remain anonymous and we are unable to say why this particular group of civil service bosses and these ministers were singled out but CNS is currently working on a number of other FOI request relating to the details of government spending on hospitality and credit cards for public sector bosses, politicians and the governor’s office.

The random selection of credit card statements gives further credence to the allegations of abuse made by the auditor general in his latest reports that whatever credit card policies were in place in the past, both ministers and top civil service bosses were ignoring them.

It is evident that the cards were used to buy booze, despite the understanding that alcohol cannot be purchased on government credit cards. The cards were also used in US department stores, clothing outlets, duty free shops, jewellery stores and specialty stores in the US, such as Bed, Bath and Beyond, making it hard to see what business related purchases could have been made at these establishments.

Credit Card holder D, who from the records released appears to be Arden Mclean, used that card on Christmas Eve 2007 to purchase a $3,500 watch from Kirk’s Jewellers at the Bay Shore Mall in George Town. Meanwhile, despite having a house in her constituency of Cayman Brac, the credit card records show the now well documented but as yet unexplained record of Julianna O’Connor-Connolly spending thousands of dollars on rooms at the Brac Reef Resort and the Alexander Hotel during her time in office as a minister and then premier between May 2009 and March 2013.

All of the records also show an extravagance when it comes to the places civil service bosses and ministers were staying when travelling, with Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton Hotels coming up frequently. When it comes to meals out and entertaining, bills appear to have been submitted with little consideration for the public purse as the officials wined and dined in expensive restaurants at home as well as overseas.

See released records attached below and related story links here:

CIG runs up $8.6M travel bill (9 June 2014)

ACC to look at travel audit (11 June 2014)

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Category: FOI

Comments (182)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

  1. anonymous says:

    It may be time to invite the UK to oversee things for a while.

  2. anonymous says:

    The voters get the government they deserve. Those that cannot vote, sit back, pour another drink and chuckle.

  3. Anonymous says:

    Since it is said that the only individuals entitled to government credit cards are Ministers and Chief Officers, I count 25.  How is it that there are 52 out there?


    11 Chief Officer

    1 Deputy Governor

    7 Ministes

    1 Attorney General

    1 Financial Secretary

    1 Chief Justice

    1 ICO

    1 OCC

    1 OAG

    Who have the rest?

  4. Anonymous says:

    Looks like Jonesie likes to eat his burgers and cheap ting on official travel. Ah next hurricane mi know who fi check fah nuff hard tack, sardines and bully beef ah im yard.

  5. Anonymous says:

    Oink oink, snuffle, grunt, lick lick, slurp suck. Oink oink

    • Anonymous says:

      Oink oink, snuffle, grunt, lick lick, slurp suck. Oink oink, praise the lord…holy crap, pig can fly and talk.

      • Porcine Defence League says:

        On behalf of pigs everywhere, do not compare us to these lower forms of life, it is deeply insulting.

  6. Anonymous says:

    Oink oink 

  7. Anonymous says:


  8. Anonymous says:

    I've never seen so many people Government Credit Cards with a limit of $15,000.  Or with Cinico health cards!  And when little old me went to pick up my medication from the HSA pharmacy and was out by a few bucks I was asked 3 times by the cashier if I was sure I didn't have the money. I honestly didn't!   Sorry, don't think I'm trying to get away with not paying for my meds/hospital visits but there looks to be bigger fish to fry than me not being able to pay that few extra dollars at that particular time. Just bill me and I will see to it that it is paid! Hey, government doesn't seem to have a problem with letting the PRISONERS (yes those convicted murderers, child molesters, thieves, etc) have free medical/dental. Say what????? Seriously?  And the bloody attitude of the civil servants, as if they're doing you a favor by turning up to their job! Give it a break nobody wants to see your scowling face and nobody cares that you got up on the wrong side of the bed, and if you wanted a better paying job perhaps you should have gotten a better education. And after you read this article perhaps you will turn your scowls towards these MLA's as they are the ones who are taking your money and rubbing it in your face! So much to say not enough time to say it! Too busy working life out to try and keep it in! **Sigh**

  9. Anonymous says:

    First off this is not something new and has been going on for some time over the years and its a normal pratice in the private sector as well.  What I am not seeing and what we will not see on the statements is who is the source of payment and if the transactions that are deemed personal non business expenses were ever reimbursed from the cardholder's salary. It could be the case that all these expeses where paid back from the card holder salary on terms agreed with Human resourses . It is not a strange thing to use company accounts or corporate credit cards for personal expenses have the company pay it and then thecompany gets  from the employee's salary, This is a simpler process than  to have the cardholder/employee go and pay the credit card themself.

    My issue is why are there always late fees , and why are these balances not paid in full and most have a carry on balance. I also saw some duplicated line items ( same day amount and place) the duplicated charge was not taken from the balance paid in full that particular time.

    This is a one sided story and if all the deemed personal expenses where paid back by the individual cardholders salary  then this story has no merit

  10. Anonymous says:

    OMG!  With the amounts I see spent at restaurants here on island they must have taken their entire families to lunch/dinner!  This is awful!  On top of this they get free medical and dental and all other perks?  What a horrible turn of events this is.  Shame on all of you that have taken advantage of your tax payers dollars!  You should be made to pay every copper penny back!  Or just be removed from office and never have the opportunity to campaign for election ever again!  You are disgusting!

  11. Anonymous says:

    Politcians and civil servants should not be usng Government's credit cards for personal purchases.  It is unethical and gives a perception of corruption even if they paid the money back.  Government needs to establish clear rules of conduct and penalties for both politicians and civil servants.

  12. Anonymous says:

    I am hoping that these charges were repaid by the individuals. Giving sraff, politican etc . a company/government credit card is normal practice throughout the world but usually it is for company/ government business. Nothing wrong with taking a client/ official out for dinner  or a drink but really shoppiing for jewelry, etc should be charged to your personal card. I hope that the PPM will now set perameters for the proper use of the government credit cards and also make dam sure that every penny is reimbursed. So many of us are living beyond what we can afford . so sad.

  13. Anonymous says:

    These people are earning about US$10,000 per month, plus getting a "double dip" pension of US$5,000 a month, plus all their airfares, taxis, phone bills, hotel visits, meals and drinking sessions are paid for by the government, plus they get an extra "per diem" when they're travelling and they STILL have to do their shopping on the government credit card? Talk about greed and entitlement. And what do we get in return? Total incompetence.  How's the new dump coming along? How's the cruise terminal going? What have they done to improve education (apart from doctoring reports, and even that was done incompetently).  What have the done to sort out the national (or international) embarassment that is the Turtle Farm?

    Instead they keep increasing the budget, raising costs to bring in more revenue to cover their excessive spending even though it is driving business away.  Getting in drunken car accidents, fights, corruption scandals.  Giving their friends duty waivers and zoning concessions.

    I for one would welcome direct rule from the UK.  The CIG is not fit for purpose.

    • Anonymous says:

         11:10. It's not happening anytime soon,but you can always go home if you miss the UK that much.

  14. Anonymous says:

    The double face of christianity.

    • Anonymous says:

      You are disgusting. Please explain what this issue has to do with Christianity.

      • Anonymous says:

        because all these people claim to be Chrisitians, standing outside the door of the church lying to your face about they can't help any programs, or fix the dump. Yes, Christians, that can spend like spoiled children, the minute they hita Bloomingdales and probably don't pay no customs when they came back from their shopping trips. Yes, Christians!

      • Bling Man says:

        well we all christians, aren't we?   including the politicians.

      • Anonymous says:

        Oops. Sorry

  15. Coconutz says:

    CNS, I recently submitted a poem regarding this matter which was not published.  I was wondering as to the reason why it was not published.  I understand that it is your choice as to what gets published and what doesn't, so I'm not in any way suggesting that it is my right that it be published.  Again, just curious as to why it wasn't.  Thank you.

    CNS: We just tend not to post poems. Sorry.

  16. Anonymous says:

    Unfortunately, most people (voters) will not hear about this, so nothing will happen.


  17. Naya Boy says:

    Another year another pile of bull$#@% from a defunct and morally bankrupt and corrupt government poor old Cayman still listening to tribal and trivial incantations of our so called political elite.

    • Anonymous says:

      A bank teller was just jailed for taking $800  that didn't belong to him……and yet Julianna and her    " bodyguard" have arguably taken tens of thousands that did not belong to them. Does this woman have no shame.? Does the law of the land not apply to our officials who dip their hands in the till…?

      C'mon Governor, attorney general, Mr. Swarbrick, Mr.Financial secretary….bring these people to account.

  18. Coconutz says:

    How is this different than what Mr. Syed, former UCCI president, is accused of having done?    Someone please explain… 

  19. Da beloved PPM says:

    The Speaker of the House needs to be made to resign her and her man servant / AIDE need to be made to pay this money back, but we all know that will never ever happen in these austere times so long as she plays ball with our wutless leadership now in government who are more than likely doing the same thing and justifying theirown action with our new time honoured Caymanian tradition he did so can i, besides it just those idiots who vote for us money any how.

    • Anonymous says:

      The current Speaker has probably been forgiven many times over by the powers that be for her inexplicable behavior. Does all the "feet washing" that has been occurring lately absolve an officer of her senority and experience, or should she be held accountable for her actions? In principle, what is the major moral or ethical distinction beween her situaton and that of another senior politician who is now before the courts for alleged indiscretions? 

    • Anonymous says:

      What money back? She's the only one who didn't do anything wrong!  So she's eats out instead of at home. I know most people do that. If we were in ny they don't even have kitchens in the apartments anymore. 

  20. anonymous says:

    I noticed that on one of the statements contains a charge for $26 at the Windmill, London. Intrigued I had a look but could only find this place

    Entrance is £15. Not sure what that is when it is exchanged in US or ky.

    I am not sure if this is the same place though. I am sure the billing and transaction records won't match.

  21. Anonymous says:

    Come on people, you don't know. Maybe they were buying stuff they needed. 

  22. Anonymous says:

    What are all these Arden McLean charges in September 2007 for SWANA?

    Solid Waste Assn-North America

    phone 3015852898

    located at 1100 Wayne Avenue # 700 Silver Spring, MD 20910

    What could he possibly be buying there?


    And also note the Celebrity cruise line charges in August 2007.


    Why is there a late charge almost every month. Can't these bills be paid on time?


  23. Anonymous says:

    What a STORY!!  Well what good for the goose should be good for the gander!!  Whether it wrong or right and whether you like it or not they all did it and not only one should be targeted!!

  24. Anonymous4 says:

    DPP must be scratching their head now!!!  Lol

  25. Anonymous says:

     So many of you are so quick to rush to judgement and criticize,just because the persons involved are Caymanians.Certainly it would be a better idea to find out what happened before deciding that they are all crooks.I guess your way is a lot more fun for you ,rather than waiting for the whole truth.Sad indeed.

    • Anonymous says:

      Get real! Charging personal stuff, always getting the luxury room/meal/flight not the reasonable one, going on trips that cannot be justified (eg Miss Julie at the Barcelona mobile phone show)

      What more do you need to KNOW that it is wrong?

      • anonymous says:

        Get them all out. Get the UK in as soon as possible.

      • Anonymous says:

        You all must be lowbrow bottom of the barrel uneducated fools. Individuals of any country private or public sector travels and stays in hotels of business class or 4 or 5 star when they reach a certain level. It is normal. It is not excessive. It comes with the territory. I am embarrassed because of all these backward comments. It does show me that my fellow Caymanians are the idiots that the expats claim we are. We are showing it right front and center. 

        Julianna did nothing wrong. Most of these did nothing wrong. If they paid it back then no harm. At the point in time they did these things. A policy did not exist. Now one does. If charges show up on the cards, then we can start casting stones. 

  26. Anonymous says:

    This type of conduct is main reason certain ethical, willing to blow the whistle Caymanians will never be hired as a civil servant.


    They don't want this s#@t exposed Bobo!

    All the auditors/accountants/CFOs etc etc should have to produce reports made to highlight the improper use of procedure when using credit cards OR Mr. Manderson, stop parading one or two employees and start setting examples by getting rid of these workers for:

    breach of trust

    misuse of power

    failure to follow credit card procedure

    lack of proper reporting 

    etc etc

  27. Anonymous says:

    What a nice brand new spankling watch someone got for Christmas a purchase that someone may not have wanted to show up on their personal credit card bill. Wonder who is wearing it?  Who knows? All I know this that outrageous spending took place!

  28. Anonymous says:

    This list only singles out a few, what we need is to see what the others did too.  I can only guess what a tale we are missing there. 

  29. Anonymous says:

    Well I know it ain't mckeeva sleeping bad tonight!!  Plenty head tossing happening!! Lol

  30. Anon says:

    Take a look at Mr Jones' statements. Interesting! Looks like he spent quite a bit of time in San Diego, and some other far away places.  Maybe it was entertaining for Govt – but there are two nice  charges for Prime Restaurant and one for Blue Cilantro. Seems like these credit cards were used on a regularly basis note only when traveling. 

    • Anonymous says:

      here's a thought..maybe, JUST MAYBE the charges could have been for something official. ooooh, but thats not what u want to hear, no scandal in that right. far far easier to assume its all shady cos thats a more exciting story. bcos most of the people reading all this stuff dont care about the true facts, they just enjoying the scandal. at least his records out there for everbody to chek out. and if u really want to get into the nitty gritty, there's a heck of a lot of higher expenses in other records. but knock yourself out. lAst thing,how many of u wld have done anything different if u were in the shoes of any of these folks, i wonder? check yourselves if you have the time while passing judgment on everyone


      • anonymous says:

        Thanks. If you want to forward or lay bare the other financial records that you mention, me and the other readers will check them out too. If not, we can wait for the foi to run its course.

        You see, you miss the point. Whilst elected, you work, and are answerable to the electorate! We will scrutinise the last cent!

        For too long, so called politicians have bought their way in and bullied. their way through to the trough, face down with their ass up in the direction of the people who put them there.

        The electors were placid enough and the environment was small enough to wield some sort of "power" and bizarrely, buy some sort of respect and credibility equalling a formula to make them "honourable" for ever.

        The voters were, and are still, politically naive enough to blindly follow in exchange for trinkets, appliances for votes, New paving, etc. It is only when some of these people are forced to leavetheir comfort zone and are forced to interact with the other political players are they exposed. Despite being paid far more than most of the other world leaders present.

        Throw in some good old fashioned third world corruption with some blatant crime (because the law is for others, sacred wessels and furreners) and you reach the present Where again, Cayman is graded and compared with the political and financial prowess of Sudan. Luckily, the UK is there to blame for that one.

        The bottom line is, they will be scrutinised and should be removed for any hint of wrongdoing, prior to any election by the electorate, if not already being dealt with by the law.

        As for me, you claim I would do the same thing. Sorry, I was raised differently. It is not my money to spend, it doesn't and never will belong to me. It belongs to the people of Cayman.

  31. Anonymous says:

    This is absolutely disgraceful! CNS, thank you for publishing this story and attachments. Please seek to obtain statements for every single government credit card and expose every one of the scoundrels who are pretending to be such upstanding citizens. Expose them all please! I trust that the Auditor General will continue his investigations and I hope that they are all made to reimburse any moneys due, together with outstanding interest reimbursements for late fees! How dare these people think that it is ok to use the government corporate cards as if they were their personal cards! And to do so in such a sloppy manner incurring hundreds of dollar in late fees. The audacity to be purchasing jewelry and other personal items on these offical cards!  How unprofessional and disgraceful!  If this governor has any mettle at all she will have every one of them dealt with for this!

    • B.N. Onneste says:

      You say you "hope that they are all made to reimburse any moneys due".  Aren't things like theft against the law?   How about a court trial and punishment? 

  32. 4Caynan says:

    What surprises me is the quietness from the business community? Why is it the business people are not demanding changes in our Government? 

    Where are the CEOs of banks, Partners in law firms and especially the Accountants, surely they live here and do a lot of business with government. Therefore, shouldn't they be just as angry where their profits have reduced to peanuts just to make the chiefs in government continue riding on their big horses? Or  are they condoning this behavior?

    Never have I seen such blatant regard to the principles of normal business yet everyone sits back and accept.  I guess this has been the norm for so many years that this is normal business practice on these islands.

    One thing is for certain. This is a vicious cycle and if changes are not made on how our government conduct business, then the little man is going to lose big and in the end the whole country will suffer as the little man will eat somehow. Whether from his own fridge or from someone else's fridge! It's your choice Cayman.

  33. Anonymous says:

    I am a US citizen who owns vacation property on island.  What I don't understand is that most of the comments seem to treat the CIG as something separate from the electorate.  In truth, you get what you vote for.

    • Anonymous says:

      The problem is that the majority of long-term residents are denied political rights.  The result is that too many of the tiny voting group (about 13,000) have a vested financial interest maintaining the ridiculous status quo. in Had Cayman a proper politicalsystem with extended franchises like the Crown Dependencies there would much better accountability, less corruption and better governance.

  34. Steve Burke says:

    For people encouraging people to take these people to task there sure are a lot of "anonymous" posters here. Take them to task publicly, if you can't do it through online print you sure as hell aren't going to do it in person. 

  35. rose says:

    Again CNS readers are caught in the old age… our new deputy governor issued a travel policy shortly after taken off which has put this matter to rest. Have we fogotten that Cabinet members publish their travel costs?  Did we not read that the deputy governor has asked internal audit to audit all government agencies to ennsure they are complying with the travel policy.

    I refuse to be drawn into this debate but you know who… I live in the present.

    • Anonymous says:

      Imagine your house got burgled just before the police issued a new burglary policing policy.  If you found out who had stolen your property would you just shrug and say "never mind the police have a policy now"? No, you would want them held accountable and your stuff returned.

    • Anonymous says:

       Even that travel policy hasn't gone far enough.  No politician or government employee should be using a government credit card to purchase personal items, regardless of whether they pay the money back immediately or over time.  It is an abuse of privilege. 

  36. Anonymous4 says:

    Now this is what I call the pot calling kettle black. Mac you must be smiling now.

  37. Anonymous says:

    I wonder why govement so broke cant even increase a little % to the civil servant, wasting all this money fancy trip, but god will deal with them and hard.

    discusting behavior

  38. Mark Hennings says:

    Don't stop the party.

  39. Anonymous says:

    And apparently justified listening to the radio this morning.  "If you max out your credit card on holiday just use the Government one if you get stuck"  Really!  No, if you are on HOLIDAY you DO NOT even take the Government card and if you max out your own card – tough!  Perhaps you should be better at money management or not gone on holiday in the first place.  What a load of baloney.  It is clear that positions and privileges have been abused left, right and centre.  Tip of the iceberg as well I would imagine.

  40. Anonymous says:

    This behavior of entitlement has existed ever since time was. Cash in on the public purse and everyone covers up for everyone else.

    It is depresing as this is just the tip of the iceberg and the attitude that the government money is there for the poliicians to spread around with their buddies and hangers on outrages me.

    Until a politician goes to jail it will remain a joke.

    • Soothsayer says:

      This culture of entitlements starts with the colonial civil service. Local people in every former British colony learn this watching the imperialist expats who lived high on the hog. If you know you can't make it private sector, Civil Service is the ticket to upward mobility and high social standing- for locals and expats!  

      It doesn't make it right and it must stop. But important to know the root source. Now all Civil Servants and politicians need to abide by the travel policy and credit card use policy. Time for Deputy Gov to be held accountable for these Chief Officers!  Oh, and don't forget the credit cards only show 1/2 the picture- what is still to be dug up is the value of the hospitality, gifts, lunches, event tickets, fancy dinners and lavish trips paid for business partners here and overseas. Keep digging.

      • anonymous says:

        Strange, I didn't notice any of those colonial throwbacks in India, Canada or Sri Lanka. I thin they were too busy to care as they tie two or three jobs do

      • anonymous says:

        Something tells me that you don't get to too many former British colonies elsewhere in the world. Pathetic and very ill informed excuse to try and explain the culture of entitlement here.

  41. Anonymous says:

    $400 is not enough to buy life jackets for everyone on board. Only for the privileged ones?Just like on Titanic? When and how do they envision using them? LOL


  42. Anonymous says:

    Just out of curiosity, how can clothing purchases be justified as "essential" (per Juliana's comments on the Compass' website).  If you are having personal financial difficulties, then it is time to cut back on personal purchases.  I cannot understand how this is an acceptable reply, and how she was able to avoid prosecution while McKeeva Bush had "allegedly" done the same thing (albeit, on a much larger scale).  Also, how is it acceptable for Gloria McField to have a purchase for over US$600 at Bloomingdale's AND multiple stays at luxury hotels: Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Mandalay Bay, Luxor, etc.  Not even the current premier has that logged on his card – he stayed at more affordable hotel chains (Hyatt, Marriott, etc).  Where is the accountability?  Who approves the bookings of these and why are they not pre-paid stays at these accomodations required with overages taken out of the per-diem for the trip (and personal pocketbooks if they expenses exceed the per-diem).  It is no wonder that the government employees stay put insead of working for the private sector!  There are not regulations or, if there are, they are overlooked or employees are simply given a slap on the hand without further prosecution or ramifications for their corrupt actions.  I am surprised, and angered, that the editors at the Compass are essentially printing a retraction without receiving further explanations from the rest of the named parties (and also without the receipt of the additional FOI charges)!  Why should my hard work support these morons running our country when I could do a better job but would never get into politics (who would want to spend their day listening to the rambling of idiotic old men that prattle on incessantly over the same topics – for years on end!).  It is no wonder our country is going in the direction it is – young people, like myself, are discouraged and fed up with the back-and-forth in the political arena where nothing really ever changes.  

    • Anonymous says:

      So where is Premier McLaughlin's Credit Card Statement?  I have not seen it yet.

  43. Anonymous says:

    I'll bet they were still claiming their per diem while they were travelling the world and paying for everything on their cards too.

  44. Anonymous says:

    It appears Juliana O'Connor Connolly did nothing but fly around the world, stay at beautiful hotels and eat in restaurants. New Zealand, Barcelona, the Middle East, London and New York to name a small fraction of the places she visited.  It's hard to imagine that she had time to do a single day's actual work!  And why does she keep paying for hotels in the Brac when that's where her house is?

    • Anonymous says:

      She's not. She frequents there for lunch or dinner. That's what it appears on the statements.  The higher values may be at a time when she did not live on the brac.

      • Anonymous says:

        Those are some expensive lunches she has then.  It's like she's propping up the Brac's economy single handedly with our money.  In some ways I think she is worse than McKeeva.

  45. Anonymous says:

    LOL.  The moral and ppl with integrity at least that the picture they paint for us finally being named and shamed!!  Mac must be loving this one!!

  46. Anonymous says:

    Can the Auditor General say whether these personal bills were paid by the individuals? Also can't Juliana cook sometimes? I never any one eat out as much as she did. Marco I know that you are a very frugal man- please fix this!!

  47. Anonymous says:

    So according to compass K Gomez say he never used card personally but bought hurricane supplies for ministry. So answer this looking through his card I see a charge for luggage and more.  Ppl this is an online store that sells luggage for travelling.  I guess he bought the suitcase to put the life jackets in.  LOL


    also what was purpose of purchase to captain Marvin's for mr tibbetts guess we counting no of stingrays at sandbar. Lol

    • Anonymous says:

      Austin and Jonathan want independence when preaching on Rooster, because America got independence and look what a great country it became….be very careful of what you wish for if you are going to be ruled by people like these.


    • Blue Moon says:

      "Don't ever question my integrity"!!!! So says the wise one from the East. "Don't ever question my integrity"!!! Really?

    • Anonymous says:

      when will an investigation open up on how come certain companies get large government contracts just handed to them???? ie cctv for one?????

    • Anonymous says:

      Caymanians living without electricity and water and having to foot these bills. This must not and cannot be accepted. 

    • Anonymous says:


      why are chief oficerws paying retail prices in bed bath and beyond

  48. Anonymous says:

    The really sad thing is that most Caymanians won't tell any of those people about their ass or tell them to their face how digusted they are! At the next opportunity they will be sitting with them at the bar having a drink and act like everything is just dandy! Unless those people are shamed by their community and people are disassociating with those who steal from the public purse, nothing will change. Unfortunately Caymanians tend to accept that one little favor or advancement coming their way, rather than being prepared to stand together, show some pride and look at the big picture.

    • Anonymous says:

      Arden, you owe an explanation to those of us who trusted you.

      not just for the 3500 at Kirk, but for so many other expenses charged to govt. Card such as Cruise expense, Ritz Carlton and many other luxury expenses denied your voters.

    • Anonymous says:

      You can say that again Bobo. Plus they will use these credit cards to but votes oh pardon me am I meant drinks with and promise the drunkards that they are doing a great job! Sure any drunk getting free drinks will think these politicians are the next best thing to Kurt’s fry fish!

  49. Anonymous4 says:

    I bet many of these restaurant charges are not business but personal.  Who conducts business mtg at delightful bar, biggies, Neptune restaurant. Etc

    • Ex-pat doing business in the Cayman Islands says:

      In the course of my work I've dined out and drunk with civil servants (and a couple of MLAs) on more occasions than I care to remember and the tab has always been charged to their CIG credit card even though I have a very generous expense account of my own.

      Do you know why they do it? Because they think it impresses me.

      Do you know what I see when they do that? Third World corruption.

      This is get your head out of your backside time. It's like Gasboy and things like the use of official vehicles for personal transportation – the entitlement society is killing your islands financially and needs to stop.

      When I canswing a deal for my employer where 100% of the benefits go off-island over a meal that was paid for by CIG there's something seriously wrong.

      • anonymous says:

        They don't care. Behind all of this MLA' s still get approximately 4000 dolla ky month, for life, and at least double in salary. Times that by 12 months and then times that by 18 persons. There is the bare minimum legitimate cost to the public purse before any third world practices come to play.

        Addthe monthly average of credit card spending and then times this by 18 and then 12.

        Shocked before? You will be.

        You will soon realise why they do not give a f##k about who voted them in or why, as they are now at the trough.

        The beauty of it all is that none of them have ever been challenged as the good, placid nature of the voters keeps voting these free loaders in for a new driveway, turtle meat or cash.

        The chances are, they never will be as it is just too much work!

  50. Anonymous says:

    CIG blithely ignores criticism, listens to advices but keeps doing it's  own thing. That applies to everything.

  51. Anon says:

    There was an article in the Compass, I believe, in which some of these officers/MLA's explained what their purchases were and how they related to government business. What I don't understand is the watch bought at a local store; why didn't the then Minister use his own credit card? Also, purchases at a local,liquor store? Seems like the Govt card is of great convenience, whether the charges are reimbursed to Government or not. 

    • Anonymous says:

      The real question is…WERE the expenses reimbursed…?

    • Anonymous says:

      Maybe someone was retiring and the watch was a retirement gift!  Let's stop believing the worse!


  52. Anonymous says:

    and  your leaders keep poisoning you and your children and you just keep driving by that Dump

  53. Anonymous says:

    I've said it before and I'll say it again  "I'm a man of integrity, and deep consideration".    And by the way I did not give anyone authorization to dig into these irregularities. I was only doing what everyone else was doing.

    • Anonymous says:

      My hands are clean and my heart is pure.  No really, they are really, really clean, it is truly remarkable how good the spa and cleansing treatments are at the Four Seasons.

  54. Anonymous says:

    Humph. As bad as this looks you should ask for the monthly cellpone bills. Everyone and their uncle in government has one. You and I paying for our cellphone usage. They not paying for that either. Remember the Gas Boy fiasco. What do these people pay for? Nothing it seems.      

  55. Anonymous says:

    My,my ,some people are sure cranky.Ltss wait and get the facts before rushing to judgement.

  56. Just'nothaBayah says:

    Surely there must be corresponding Customs declarations for all these purchases abroad!  [/SARCASM] 

    Yet we must list all electronic items before we travel??  What about the World Trade Organization (WTO) international customs agreement called ITA, which EXEMPTS ALL computer and electronic devices from duties WORLDWIDE (except in the Cayman Islands!)??  Or the duty on computer software, which is only a LICENCE to use Intellectual Property (SAME AS A BOOK or newspaper – WHICH SHOULD BE DUTY FREE!)??

    Come on people, where is the righteous indignation??  We are being robbed blind, yet some cannot get a decent job!

    • Anonymous says:

      But, but, we have just harmonised customs codes to fall in line with a with a number of countries that somehow exceeds the total number of sovereign states in the world.  Are you telling me that somehow Samantha Bennett and crew missed that particular worldwide agreement?

  57. Anonymous says:

    OK.  Now that we know (a HE) who purchased the US$3,500.00 Ladies Watch on Christmas Eve I want to know who is wearing it now 🙂  Let me know, let me know……..

  58. Anonymous says:

    I work for a large organization and whenever I submit an expense claim (whether I used the company card or not), I am required to provide receipts.  The only exception to this would be if I chose to apply the daily per diem instead.

    Not sure if the related receipts are available via the FOI request, but it would be nice to know that they even exist?  If all you need to submit is a line item on your credit card that says Four Season Hotel then there is a lot of room for abuse.  Think of all the things you can charge to your room at a hotel that are not be expensable items (alcohol, movies, adult movies, gift shop items etc). 

    This system clearly needs an overhaul and much greater oversight. 

  59. Anonymous says:

    50% of govt. revenue goes towards paying civil services and minster's salaries. Seems like the rest is spent in duty free shops and in Vegas. The avg. hotel bill run up by these jokers is $350 per day + food + taxi + shopping – all for what?

  60. Anonymous says:

    Who would have thought that this kind of shenanigans was taking place?!. I can accept government officials using credit cards while travelling……but for personal use?! no.

    Even if they found themselves short and had to use it in an emergency for personal reasons they should have, as a matter of urgency,  paid it back as soon as they returned to the island.

    Also, what on earth goes on in these ministries or the department that pays the credit card bills? Does anyone scrutiize the statements? Does anyone approach these officials and send them a bill and ask for  settlement? If the officials knew they were never going to be asked to cough up the money its no wonder they were having a heyday! not saying that is the right attitude  Persons in these positons are meant  to be more scrupulous.

    It's time for more checks and balances and I  have every confidence in the Minister of Finance to put a stop to this dishonesty.

    • R. U. Cirrious says:


      Don't hold your breath, Anonymous!


  61. Anonymous says:

    This is probably the reason for th UK black listing- totally corrupt government !!!

  62. Anonymous says:

    Dear Governor,

    Is this what you would consider "Good Governance?"  

  63. Castor says:

    And the "Sheeple" will dutifully trot out and vote the very same people back in power. 

  64. Anonymous says:

    That is ubelievable

    What a disgrace !!

    "spending extravagantly on the government dollar" is the key wording here !

    Was duty paid on these items upon return  to Cayman ?

    • Anonymous says:

      Of course duty was paid, it was charged to the Government issued credit card.

  65. Anonymous says:

    I'm curious why Julianna is the representative for the Brac and yet she seemed to have spent a great fortune on hotel accommodation in the Brac as though she was merely visiting. Can anyone explain how this works and if she has no principal address in the Brac, shouldn't this be a  red alert to her constituents.  And if she does, but finds it better to spend significant sums on accommodation in a hotel, especially if we are paying for it, then isn't that also a red flag? 

    • Anonymous says:

      I can think of plenty of possible explanations and none of them involve a legitimate use of government funds.  I can guarantee you that we will never find out and she will never be held accountable.  Meanwhile all the government fees will keep going up to cover the "budget", 50% of which is wasted by civil servants and MLAs.

    • Anonymous says:

      We should be grateful no funds were spent on personal vanity or grooming, clothing, or hair-stylist.

    • Anonymous says:

      That's for her driver/bodyguard.  Do you expect him to sleep on the street?

    • Anonymous says:

      I think she stayed there because her driveway was being paved

  66. Anonymous says:

    I can't believe there are so many late fees and interest payments, can't someone pay these on time??

  67. Anonymous says:

    In hard times these public servants living quite high.  Such a waste of money when people hungry and have no jobs.  I bet others are doing the same thing even right now.   Charges need to be laid to recoup this money from current and former public servants !!!!!!  

    • Anonymous says:

      So, what are you going to do about it?  What's would you do if you came face to face with Juliana today. It's okay to prepare. 

    • Anonymous says:

      These bills are from way back, some of the people involved are retired.  Is  it fair to publish these bills without explaining how the expenditures were accounted  for?  What looks like  personal expenses, and what seems like lavish and irresponsible use of public funds all give rise to such strong emotions, isn't Cayman dealing with enough anger issues already?

      Secondly,  can you say who (if indeed Anyone) was head of the civil service at this time and what measures they took towards accountability. For all we know people might have been discipled at the time if they abused the cards. 

      I hope the individual who made this public will go for another FOI and get to the whole story,

    • Anonymous says:

      Go to any top scale restaurant especially one with a good wine list and you will see senior civil servants spending our money. Any meeting that could achieve results in 15 minutes gets turned into  an excuse for a two hour feast.

      look into the main culprits and question the benefits derived.

  68. Anonymous says:

    Where are the people protesting down seven mile beach?

    Why are locals always protesting for the most worthless causes … "Lets close the new west bay road", "Lets protest immigration changes" … We have some legitimate proof of misuse of public funds, finally something to protest about, and what will happen? A pat on the back perhaps?

    All we ever hear about is unemployment this, expats that.

    This money could have been used for business subsidies, import tax subsidies, decreased CUC bills, children support programs. The list goes on and on. Yet there you sit 8 – 5pm every day, working your ass off, and these clowns are partying it up with your money! 

    Wake up!

    Your leaders are stealing from you, and still you vote for them like moths to the flame!



    • Anonymous says:

      Julianna needs to go!!! I am literally sick to my stomach.

    • Anonymous says:

      Nice BUT, the west bay road deal was a theft also. Just sayin. In reference to your defective rhetoric. 

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes where are the people . This issue of credit card misuse by the politians of the Cayman Islands , Buying life jackets / expensive  watch  and so much more that we donot  know about because of no reciepts . What  where are the people said in the comment  make alot of sense , and all people of Cayman Islands are paying  their BIG FAT SALARY AND CREDIT CARD MISUSE .  This realy sounds like we all need to wake up and put down our cell phones and pick up our  signs and march peacefull to these politians and start telling them what WE WANT done with all the issues that we the people are faceing today in the Cayman Islands .Dont forget to take all of the news media with you and Fox news so you can get wourld wide coverage  on these issues . I promiss you that you will see a new goverment rise up , and dont give them no slack because they might get off . IF  we donot take action now things will not get better  ,they will get worse .

  69. Anonymous says:

    livin large bobo

  70. Knot S Smart says:

    My calculator crashed while trying to add up Ms Julie's tab – can someone please tell me the total amount of loot that was put on her card?…

    • Anonymous says:

      We should also cross check the customs forms on their return dates to see if they declared all goods purchased abroad.



      • Anonymous says:

        Good point, I'd like to see if they paid thier fair shared of duty as well..

        • R. U. Kidden says:

          It's too late for that. 

          You don't really think they were checked, do you???

    • Anonymous says:

      That woman is the worst among a bad lot!

      There are three distinct issues:

      1. Was the trip necessary or at best good use of public money?

      2. Did the traveller limit expenditure to reasonable items and levels?

      3. Did the traveller use the CIG card for personal expenditure?

      In the case of Miss Julie, I suggest that she repeatedly took unnecessary trips, she regularly travelled first class, when even business class was excessive, stayed at the best hotels when a more reasonable one would be adequate, frequented extravagent restaurants utterly unnecessarily, and unless she has repaid anything which I doubt, seems to have bought a lot of personal stuff!

      She should refund the Islands hard pressed finances, and in my opinion she should join the ex Premier in court to defend her greedy ways.

      • JTB says:

        But Julianna is a good Christian lady. She keeps saying so all the time. So I'm sure it was all OK

      • Anonymous says:

        She was a premier at one point. She was a deputy premier at one point. Her excessive spending wasn't excessive at all. It was all work related. The interpretation of what is shown has been sensationalized. It would be am embarrassment for the Cayman Islands if such a high ranking officer to travel economy. It would be interpreted as the Cayman Islands being broke. Do you think any other country in the world has the leaders traveling economy? Be realistic ppl. She had zero purchases on there for personal items. And if at any point there was. Even for the others, there is no evidence that shows that these were not reimbursed. We are only seeing one part of the picture. A travel policy is now in place. The problem should be solved now. Give the ppl that YOU all elected an opportunity to improve. If you didn't vote, then you stood by the sidelines and did not have your say. Do not grumble now because you didn't participate. 


        If you are really unhappy. Vote new ppl in next time. Plus nevermind the ones voted in. What of the staff? Pushfor those to be fired. That's easier. That can be done now. If ppl really feel so strongly about it. 

  71. Anonymous says:

    How disgusting and what a bunch of hypocrites we have working in government.

  72. Anonymous card holder says:

    This is a disgrace our government are those in our society not bound by the law? Only diiference between government and the mafia is size! Looking at this i cant honestly say i am surprise by it our the level of hyprocrisy of some people who run around here pointing fingers and accusing others.

  73. Big Spenders Ltd says:

    The corruption continues unabated i can't understand why some people are targetted while others continue on their spending sprees??????? only in Cayman where being a criminal is now a status symbol and being honest is just not tolerated? "Goood Gowernance and transparency and accounntability mi A$$"

  74. Anonymous says:

    The big question here did any of the other persons using their Government credit card for personal purposes have to be arrested and charged before they made an effort to repay the money spent.

  75. Anonymous says:

    And THEY still got a job, and you don’t. They double-dipping on the pensions and rolling in the dough; and that’s why your dumb ass is broke.

    They spending all your money, and you the fools that keep voting them back in. Suffer your own fate; you imbeciles, have no one to blame but yourselves.

  76. Anonymous says:

    Good times!

  77. Anonymous says:

    Dear fellow outraged reader,

    Resign yourself to the awful reality that not one individual named in the list, or the others as yet unrevealed, will ever face any censure. And we are outraged at the country being placed on that list? Really.

  78. Anonymousand says:

    Random splinters of evidence is not proof.
    There is an established chain of accountability.
    Whilst it may all seem dubious please do not judge prematurely or this could also go down in the anals of our long list of lawsuits against CIG.

    • Anonymous says:

      Go down in the anals? I think you mean annals, which would be altogether different …

    • anon says:

      If there is a chain of accountability (it does appear that systems are in place, but that noone implements them). then i would expect to reimbursements of personal items, interest reimbursements on the personal items where it has been paid. Some enquiry and censure for the lapse in systems that has late to the consistently late payments. If this was a private company any personal expenses on a company credit card would incur punishment if it was refunded or not. Why are MLA's using a government credit card to buy christmas gifts, when they have their own credit cards and are already generously paid for their "work".

    • Anonymous says:

      I don't agree.  If they are using government money in Bed Bath and Beyond or to buy watches then that's more than a splinter of evidence.  The onus is on them to explain to us how that is justified, legal and in compliance with the rules.  They need to answer some questions.  And if/when they don't front up with a suitable explanation they should fave the same consequences we would if we did the same thing with our employer's money.

      • Anonymous says:

        13:40.This post is typical of what is happening here.First you judge them ,then you say they should be given a chance to explain.Would it not be better to ask for an explanation first ,then if none is forthcoming to castigate them.It is always a bad idea to rush to judgement,which most of you are doing here.

    • Anonatymous says:

      Was that “Chain” of accountability bought at Kirk Freeport also?

  79. Anonymous says:

    Nice watch.  So much for "my integrity" this and "my integrity" that. OMG!  Now I would like to know what the police will do about this!  I wonder if all of these people will be arrested too.

  80. Anonymous says:

    Juliana should be so ashamed of herself! !!

    Bracas,  how has our lives improved by her spending all this money on useless world jaunts? !!!!

    Discusting behavior. 

    • Anonymous says:

      the politicians arent to blame, it is the voters that created this. i have never wished i was older until today. i wish i was 2 years and 9 months older (May 2017) cant come soon enough.     

    • Anonymous says:

      Isn't she a Christian?

    • Anonymous says:

      I agree, do we really get any benefit from all of this world travel?  My favorite was Big Mac going to the Royal Wedding; his wife dresses in white; he wears a tuxedo during the daytime (which to be fair I didn't no was not acceptable); and despite being specifcally instructed not to give gifts (but instead donate to charity) he gives a honkin' coral statue….way to represent Cayman and give us bang for all those massive travel expenses!!

      Also there is nothing wrong with flying coach…

    • Anonymous says:

      We Bracas are so much better off because of Juju, all her trips around the globe has brought prosperity to the Brac! !! And we are better for it. 

  81. Anonymous says:

    The one charge that really gets my goat is the consistent penalties for late payment.


    It clearly indicates that these people supervise sloppy, lazy, and incompetent offices.


    Late fees for a simple thing like a credit card bill are an inexcusable waste of my tax dollars.

  82. Anonymous says:

    Does this really surprise anyone? 

  83. Anonymous says:

    Looks like the Ritz and American Airlines has done really well off our Government…or should I say, US the people of the cayan Islands

  84. Chris Johnson says:

    I am bemused by all of this and wonder who foots the bill for interest and late payment fees because the card holders are too sloppy to pay their card bills on time. Please do not tell it is the public. No doubt the AG is all over this and the cards of the other incumbents whose details have not been disclosed. It is time to stop cards being used for personal expenses. Maybe the Minister of Finance has the balls to get this house in order, unlike the last one who was more interested in nest feathering, admiring his signature on currency notes and making obnoxious remarks about  the noble profession of auditing.

    • Anonymous says:

      Well said Chris. As usual you have the balls to publish your name. Keep your responses coming in.


    • Anonymous says:

      FOI a comprehensive list of what they owe the utility companies. Find out which Departments pay the minimum each month just to stay connected. Go on, do it for a laugh if nothing else.


  85. Anonymous says:

    I give up. Why do we even bother to have a police force? Nothing ever gets done about anything.

  86. Anonymous says:

    Wow great story, lets see them talk their way out of this!!  LOL

  87. Anonymous says:

    What a disgrace! What can you expect with zero accountability. No wonder the country is in such a mess.

  88. Walker says:

    What furiates me about this scandal is that government is sending people home at 60 with little pension to live off. Caymanians who built this country to where it is today, yet we have people sucking every penny earned to maintain a lavish life style at the expense of our country and sweat of our fore father's brow. Thisisn't right and it's high time heads roll.

    Your excellency Governor please address this matter with urgency. Don't let this be another gas boy issue?

    • Anonymous says:

      There are so many of us so called commoners as they think we are that are decent and hard working people that can hardly make two ends meet. We are suffering withsometimes n ot a dollar in our purses and not even complaining. If this is true that Governments money is being wasted or for a better word "conveniently borrowed never to be repaid " then this is a crying shame. Anyhow we sufferers can sleep better at nights unless that particular day we did not get enough food to eat, but we sleep with a better conscience. I dont feel any less than people who do tose things who look so big with their mansions, fancy and expensive clothing, expensive carsn and the list goes on. Some of these people can even mansions here and up to two homes in the USA. Then when we have to make Governments such as car licenses etc and we dont pay on time we are taken up by the Police. I pray for them all, but have no respect for them. Lets hope that they are all proven wrong.