Port director struggles to explain actions
Port Director Clement Reid (Photo courtesy Cayman 27)
(CNS): Responses given by the director of the Port Authority of the Cayman Islands (PACI) to auditors to explain the potential mismanagement and abuse of public cash exposed in a special report show the public authority boss struggling to explain his actions surrounding major breaches of recruitment laws and procedures, unauthorised spending and other personnel and general management infractions. Some of the answers that Clement Reid gave to the Office of the Auditor General have been released and show that the auditors remained concerned about the issues even after talking with him.
Reid had claimed that PACI’s human resource manager at the time was not capable of dealing with all of the recruitment needs at the port, which was why he became involved. But Reid admitted that he, too, did not have the necessary experience, did not fully understand the laws, rules, codes or handbook guidelines, and had made decisions outside of the official protocols.
He blamed a lack of resources and not having an experienced management team to help him for the poor decisions, but admitted making decisions without all of the information he needed. When it came to spending more than $137,000 on office renovations, he acknowledged that there was no business case or any public tendering.
Reid nevertheless claimed that everything he did was approved by the board, though he admitted that in some instances the members were not informed of all decisions. He also admitted that he had not told the board that a staff member had been given 63 days paid leave to work for McKeeva Bush until after the leave had been granted.
Asked probing questions about his conduct by the staff from the OAG, Reid did not give very clear answers, struggling to justify what he had done on several occasions and admitting a lack of experience. But he also sought to blame others and bemoaned a lack of support, training and assistance.
The auditors stated in their conclusions that the director did not answer all of the questions put to him and failed to alleviate their concerns about the abuse and mismanagement of public cash.
The responses revealed by the OAG cover several elements of the findings in the special report but CNS understands that Reid had produced a much more comprehensive response document to the questions that were raised by the audit which has not been made public.
CNS has made FOI requests relating to that document. We have also repeatedly contacted the port authority, the port board and the port director for comment but we have been greeted by a wall of silence.
Reid did choose to release that document to the Cayman Compass, but that publication has elected not to published it in full, despite its public interest. In the limited reporting of the content, however, there are indications that Reid’s answers in that report differ from those given to the auditors.
See the OAG report plus the addendum to the report in the CNS Library
Category: Government oversight, Politics
That heads aren’t rolling in this disgraceful scandal. Comments on this topic has gone VIRAL and the Minister and heads of government are silent on the issue. This just shows us that their arrogance and corruption is bigger than the ocean.
Then it looks like the only way to handle this, is like West Bay Premier had suggested that 500 people go in protest and demand that the Minister fire this appointee , and he Minister step down .
CNS you should be very proud of your News Media , I think that the comment that has 1,113 thumbs up and one thumb down , just made history.
whatever is going down at the port, I can’t separate the reid from the bush.
Does anyone know who Boards are accountable to? Is it directly to the Minister?
This Port Board gots to go! Every last one of you. Fed up! Between them and the NRA board that sell out I’m fed up.
Port Board you need to be investigated as well.
Why, do tell.
So..who exactly is the Port Board Chairman?
If Reid don’t follow the laws and rules and nothing happens to him for his actions: then how can he discipline some 160 plus employees under him if the do the same or even to a lessor extent? You see why this is a big issue that must be corrected or good bye Port.
Listen up!!
No matter what you think about this man, he thought NOTHING was wrong with what he was doing! Corruption is so ingrained in this scratch my back I’ll scratch yours society that we have become here in Cayman, he would not have any regrets nor apologies for his actions. Until the protocols were pointed out. Then, “Oh! I see!” *penny drops
End of the day, he is NOT qualified for this position in any way shape or form!! He had no business being hired for this job in the first place. This is because you do not have a large enough field of educated people to choose from.
Get your kids education in order!!!! Then you can fill these top positions with qualified people and stop blaming the expats. Eh!!?!!
Expats doing the same BoBo and much worse. Syed/UCCI? helloooooo!!!!
Not the same topic dude. Sayed was ‘borrowing’ money on the company cc (embezzling) and lied about his qualifications.
This Reid guy felt he was doing a good job!
Get it now?
That’s your one example? Sad. Bobo.
Sue Nicholson the manager of the Pines stole over a million dollars from the Pines and the board have refused to file charges against a friend and Rotarian. Fled the country and no accountability from the board or ministry that provide government funding. Accountability is a myth in Cayman locals and expats take advantage of the system as a result. Look at DEH the Canadian deputy leaves the country and nobody says a thing but the local guy takes the fall for failings at every level including the Ministry of Health led by Chief Officer Ahearn after millions are spent on overtime time approved by the ministry.
There are many QUALIFIED Caymanians who were are still able to fill the position of Port Director. I have no issue with people coming to the Cayman Islands to make a living BUT there is supposed to be by law a suitable Caymanian being trained to take over from those in managment positions who are on contract or permit. This is NOT happening. So yes while we need to make sure our children receive a good education, there still remains the fact that we have many Caymanians who are not being promoted and given the opportunities which by law they should be given.
Also please do not judge all Caymanians by the poor examples being set by the individuals whose stories have been flooding the news recently. People of questionable character can be found in every country of the world. If the Cayman Islands are so awful a place to live in then pray tell why are there so many people clamoring to get here? I am proud to cal the Cayman Islands home, the place of my birth and there is no where else I would rather be.
You are both missing my point!! I do not think he felt he was doing anything wrong!!! He makes it sound like he was just tryna get the job done with the tools he had available, which he stated he did not have.
Where is the Board in all this? It is the job of the Board to prevent the “agency problem”. Who will hold the Board responsible?
I wonder what will happen if say 500 people went in protest to the Minister and demanded that he fire him , or he Minister step down . Let me know .
People to lazy to take their trash home from the beach are not going to turn up for a march.
C’mon …the Minister can’t step down until he part the seas and get the jetty built at the end of Cardinal avenue!.
It would be funny if it wasn’t true..
Very good question although the buck does not stop with the board members either. The chief officer of the ministry should also be held accountable. With great power comes great responsibility.
Chief Officers should know what is going on in their departments no excuses and no exceptions.
The Port Authority is NOT a department and the Chief Officer has NO- zero- authority to dictate what the Board does. The Minister can offer directions but clearly didn’t- ultimately Boards are politically appointed by Cabinet I.e. the politicians.
Fact is he was never up to the job, there were better other applicants, but he got the post cos of connections and old bosses doing past subordinates favors.
You find the right shoe on the left foot. Some people are lucky to leave and allowed back as a board member.
I hope Mr Reid is sitting on his throne in his Taj Mahal office reading these comments and realises exactly what the people who pay his salary think of him. If he has an ounce of conscience he should resign immediately, for although incompetence and mismanagement are rife in the public sector, like Manchester City, surely he has set an all time record score.
If indignant self-righteousness was an Olympic sport….Another day in Absurdistan.
We always forget where we are coming from when we reach these positions. Then when we expose our bottoms the public don’t have any pity only for the good ole mothers who were born honest and good people.
This Man clearly broke the Public Authorities Law as well as others and he is still in the Post? This is ridiculous! If ever there were grounds to fire someone, now is the time. I have spoken to many Port Authority staff since this unfolded and it appears like the vast majority are ashamed and passionately dislike Clement Reid. As the truckers, ask the night shift workers. Sick leave is through the roof! The guys are quietly protesting, but the Board is out of touch! Is it that they are too embarrassed to act? The Chief Officer is hiding and the Ministry is turning a blind eye it seems. And it is not that the Port doesn’t have capable people to take over from him. Many of the staff think Joey Woods would make a much better Port Director. Some have said he is the best boss they have ever worked for. It’s time for this arrogant fellow to go!
Franz clearly broke the Civil Service laws, ignored the Tribunal’s recommended corrective action, and allowed a a person that scored lower to be hired.
All of this was done at the expense of better scoring Caymanian candidates.
What happened?
The Compass wrote an editorial in support of his actions and he is still DG.
Just saying…..
The DG needs to go.
The DG does not deal with the recruitment of CEO/ Directors of Authorities – the Board does – supposedly independently but in practice under oversight from Cabinet…that’s to say the politicians – and particularly the minister responsible ie the Deputy Premier in this case.
Steady on. He is on the steering committee for the cruise piers – cant fire him now and let someone else into the magic circle who may not know the right answer.
When the Chief officers for both planning and Health can bold face and deliberately tell lies to the PAC and mislead the public how the hell are we going to hold junior staff accountable. I see no one calling for their resignations yet their is Carepay the dump situation millions spent or missing, yet not a peep out or many in govt or on here. What is good for the goose should be good for the gander or is it the normal case of different strokes for different folks especial if they hail from distance shores???
How can anyone withstand this kind of public scrutiny and still have the face to live in the same small Island society after . To me that would be worse than having a felony on your record in a big County .
Don’t see any comments about hard done by over qualified Caymanians being overlooked for jobs…
All the problems have been caused by furreners.
@ Anonymous 8:38 am the correct spelling is “foreigners”
No, I believe in the context used the correct spelling is “furreners”.
You may want to revise your comment.
It currently makes no sense.
Typical…..point the blame somewhere else. Loser. Hang m high . Even though all that will happen is years paid leave and then……nothing. The politicians and courts are full of idiots.
What we need to ask is who sat on the recruitment panel when he was originally appointed, even though there were other Caymanian applicants with very good and sound past managerial experience. It was clear that he didn’t have the necessary experience. Who had been his mentor?….the previous totally inadequate Port Director….. Go figure.
When will you ever accept that just because this guy allegedly turned out to be a rogue employee does not necessarily mean a good Caymanian was overlooked for the post. All it tells us is that the whole interview process is flawed. Oh and so is Performance Management and supervision of employees.
8:04 pm, you mean the previous, previous Port Director.
They should have kept the original Port Director, we wouldn’t be in this mess. The board Is accountable for this, with Governments support, what a disaster and embarrassment once again. Wake up Cayman!
Clement you amongst others ie. NRA boss make it hard for the rest of us hard working Caymanians that show up each day to work and try to improve ourselves to be promoted.
We get painted with the same brush as you that when some of us do make it up the ladder honestly it’s hard to acknowledge the hard work because you guys have tainted the path before us. Shame on you!
Weak private sector Board. What will the Deputy Premier do?
Elected representatives have the power to fire every board member and appoint a board that is strong. What will be done?
We are watching what’s happening at the NRA.
I am not voting for anyone who only talks about accountability.
Anonymous 6:53 pm , it’s impossible to use a dirty rag to clean with and expect it. to be clean . I will agree that it’s time to break up the big boys club and drain the swamp .
What he always does absolutely Nuttin!!!! especially if it is one of his clones!
There is a good reason why the DP ain’t going to fire anyone from the port board. There is even a better reason why the DP ain’t releasing the plans or the figures for his port development.
Mandate to shrink Government in full effect…They see it as a social welfare system which shouldn’t exist.
Over the past few years we have watched and witnessed as the media has clamored for blood with not too much comment as Cayman moved away from what was essentially a national health system to this insurance system. No outrage or plentiful comments about health insurance.
And watched as we witnessed the increase of homelessness
And watched as we witnessed the growing diaspora of Caymanians exist (we all know of an increasing number)
And watched as our young people no longer had a guarantee job to come home to in order to get training that is “required” in the private sector.
And now we watch (and cheer) as the public sector is dismantled.
But the mob is fickle and they clamor for blood even as they press the breast of their children over the same sword.
As the mandate unfolds and the advertisements keep selling just understand why the unemployment rate continues to tick up and don’t question if that welfare budget will remain the same; it will.
There has perhaps never been a darker time in our history than now; may we rise from the ashes and triumph. Hopefully the bad can be separated from the good without the good and the great having to carry that weight.
You had me until this “And watched as our young people no longer had a guarantee job to come home to in order to get training that is “required” in the private sector”
What’s with the “required” The rest of the world gets an education and then gets a job. Many even work part-time jobs in minimum wage positions while getting an education. This actually teaches a work ethic.
If your brethren didn’t look down on those positions that are filled with expats, your kids could learn a work ethic AND stay out of trouble while in high school.
Think about it.
I consent to the defects in the comment…I should have added the requirement for “relevant work experience” oft inserted into the advert.
Training is actually a legal requirement which I think or feel we should see more of.
I understand the employer perspective but atlas it is an unlawful position and should some not really wish to follow the law; perhaps we should not want them or their business.
We need to have standards and enforcement. I welcome enforcement of all aspects but not a targeted enforcement exercise seemingly designed in a systematic way.
Would love to see very broad enforcement that create ‘opportunities’ for future Caymanians as well as hold us to account.
And watched as our young people no longer had a guarantee job to come home to in order to get training that is “required” in the private sector.
The real problem is this line above – there are no guarantees in life
Well you see what had happened was I thought I had to do what Big Mac wanted…
They want Caymanians in senior positions well here is an example of one readily admitting that he has lack of experience and knowledge to manage properly.
Hopefully, we now can understand when they do not immediately hire Caymanians for management positions and hire the expatriate instead.
The Caymanian is sometimes not ready to take on the job.
You have some very capable and smart Caymanians in management but check it out, most of them started at the bottom and worked their way up through the ranks.
Some of these younger ones have a degree or Masters and they want management job right away.
Caught up in the middle of it.
Sometimes the greatest way to say something is to say nothing at all. That’s better than further convicting yourself
Or better still, RESIGN.
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than speak and remove all doubt
Shame he would say this about his HR manager yet I know her to be very capable professional who also knows not to do the wrong thing. He must go! He has no integrity to continue managing in this role.
What did he say about that has you so triggered?
He said she was not capable of handling all the recruitment needs.
That is a very plausible situation.
If the Port needed an engineer, would the HR manager be equipped to conduct the recruitment and interview?
Probably not.
He wasn’t saying she was useless.
She has many years of HR experience has worked at the Port for over 10 years I am sure why is she so capable and been there so long and never had issues before with the Board or with previous PD. He took over her job and went rogue! He wants to blame everyone but himself and blaming other capable persons who could have guided him through the process should not reflect on her!
This man needs to be de-ported immediately. He sounds admirably qualified for sorting letters at the Post Office.
De -ported – love it!
I believe they are all working together to coverup for each other.
55 : 13 am , that’s how the mafia does it, cover-up for each other .
The Board needs to terminate him the additional detail cons provided has made his situation even worse. Hey is he still on the job I ask ! Sack him fire him terminate him do something to show this is not acceptable
The board and staff need to be replaced.
The board needs to be terminated first ! I’m sure the lodge will find the ever faithful another retirement plan on the public purse ….
When is the magic enactment date for the Standards in Public Life Law? How many more conflicts, thefts, and sticky finger incidents do we need to catalog before the new era of accountability can begin?
Breaking News: Standards in Public Life Law goes into effect on the 30th of February 2019
-_-
sack him or give him a beer…? ps…look at who he was hiring and motives??
Do these people have no shame….or do they just think they are so important that they should be allowed splurge on themselves? The country is in dire need of education improvements and they just squander money like this, it is disgusting.
Okay this situation is just beyond embarrassing right now for this guy and he is not making anything better by not even accepting blame as the Port Authority Director!!!! All he keeps doing is circling the bush with half ass excuses for answers (pathetic might I add) & pointing fingers at the little people under him that he is suppose to be leading and setting an example for! What type of leader throws staff under the bus??? Seriously? Get this guy outta here….a weak individual who does not deserve the high position he has been appointed!!!!
Yep, what has happened is people like him come from humble beginnings and the power and $16K per month has made him forget his integrity. Pure and utter nonesense the way he has used pathetic excuses and tried to make his staff sound useless. I can bet he won’t go, too many cronies and the board doesn’t give a rats ass how they look either. These people don’t care how the public’s money is spent as they know there is no accountability in the end! Clement you need to go!
Disappointed Caymanian that went to school with you! RESIGN!
What are they waiting on he must go!
Admitted that he did not have the necessary experience, etc, etc.. One can go to the best universities in the world, without honesty and integrity and a willingness to perform, everything else is worthless.
lol
I smell something that’s suspiciously like a bull took a dump here.
You referring to the Ministry and the Board?
In 2015 the Chairman said he found the perfect person to replace long time Port Director Paul. Now Reid is claiming he don’t know rules, laws and is inexperienced? He’s been in a senior position at the port for almost 20 years!!!
Funny how that happens. XXXXXX God help us with this $200m+ monster they want to unleash in George Town is the current PA and board running things.
Reid will probably get suspended with pay for God only knows how long. He is obviously NOT the man for the job and needs to be relieved immediately as well as a probe into the hiring over everyone during this whole mess that circumnavigated procedure. If the hiring practices were not on the up and up then I am sorry.. don’t let the door hit you where the good lord split you. I’m sure they knew what was going on when they got hired. And to the inflated salaries? Immediate reduction if they stay on.
After 20 years and haven’t learn them yet , I will say he’s impossible. So time for him to go and shovel snow or something else .
Ridiculous! Sack him forthwith.
Why wait for forthwith? Sack him now!
Why is the Board and the Government so quiet on this issue? Deal with this! We are becoming a joke in every department of Government from Planning, Immigration, the Port…….. meanwhile our Government leaders are attending a party in London. You can’t make this up!!
This is what makes it bad for the Caymanians that really wants to work & are unemployed…
The fools that do get power, ends up getting too power greedy. Smh!
But any aways that’s my to cents for now.
Always remember that saying:-
“The higher a monkey climb the more his ass gets exposed”.
Great saying 🙂
Unfortunately what also makes it bad for Caymanians is the obvious lack of education, particularly English language, spelling and grammar.
Taught by teachers from the UK.
Not for about 20 years.
Seems to be a lot of Caymanians losing their jobs in the news lately. All for corruption, stealing, etc. Yet you wonder why companies are more willing to pay for a work permit before hiring local…
Wow.. i can call a few names to who that comment fits…what a great statement ??
“a staff member had been given 63 days paid leave to work for McKeeva Bush” Erm doing what exactly on our dime?
Does this surprise you considering who we are dealing with?
Don’t ask..
keeping big mac afloat.. you know, moral support, encouragement, taking out the trash, lining up entertainment etc. you can’t be a big politician without having these perks… how could one possibly do their job without these luxuries?
oh oh oh…don’t worry about that one! trust me when I say that in the coalition when Mac had certain demands Alden made it happen and the rest of the yes man went on nodding.
Next step is to watch how the nodding gets dealt with. If all the CO are promptly dismissed without pay and new ones take there place a charges brought against them…then then you will ahve something
But his hands are clean and his heart is pure.
He’s as pure as a $3 bill drawn in crayon with “legitz tendah” written on it.
Always someone drags out this nugget, its getting boring
I agree. What I see happening is pure, unadulterated bureaucratic harrassment.
Is this man still employed?
1:46 pm , he shouldn’t be, and he is making poor excuses, and thinking everyone is stupid ..
he has been pushed out to another government department!
Fire his ass!
And we are going to let this team manage a $300M port re-development?
I hope the Deputy Premier and other Cabinet Members isn’t [for lack of a better word] so FOOL to allow that to happen!
1:44pm and 5:19pm: finally you show your hand and admit your problem with this gentleman.
The tender lobby and environmentalists get “their man”, weaken him, destroy him and thereby stall or derail the Port development project.
Hope you all feel vindicated, hope you feel like the cat that ate the canary when the bigger dogs come for your backsides.
ha ha ha! classic!?
That’s what happens when you put Mr. Mac back he will smack and wack and leave you in the back jumping like a jack.
You wanted to sound cool you you stubborn mule but ended up looking the fool or at least some hack tool too stupid to drool.
Oh yes the CNS freestyle rap battle
As the population is led like cattle
Things happening next to the fort
Corruption and lies at the port
130k on rugs and some vases
To pretty up their workplaces?
65 days of paid leave
To help Mac underachieve
Boat motors gone missing
Who will they be dismissing?
Now it’s time the people block
That terrible idea cruise dock!
Out politicians acting like Trump,
Growing larger and stink like our Dump.
Oh Lord send us relief,
from this corruption grief.
Please stop this dock,
that will put this country in hock.
We still can’t bath on our beach,
money making Jack keep it outta reach.
June 30th my friend,
join me on the beach sit in then.
Let us take to the street and shout,
to the gov stop this f**kery or get voted out.
Corruption everywhere we look,
no wonder the UK trying to close our book.
The lies and shadow deals make them feel cool,
they seriously think the average Bo Bo fool.
IT’S TIME WE TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK!
ONE BY ONE MAKE THEM DO RIGHT OR GIVE THEM THE SACK!
BARS!
Genius
Good! Incorporate that into a song to greet visitors.