… But former Director of Finance disagrees

But when Cecil Knowles, former Director of Finance and Accountant, took his oath this afternoon, he denied that the payments were made from the Venezuelan Grant.

Cecil Knowles, Former Director of Finance/Accountant
“She also said she was not aware when that Venezuelan money came in and what it was for. I believe that she was…”

Adolph Lucas
“What are you telling us that she was not aware what it was for?”

Cecil Knowles
“No, no, no, she was not aware the payment. She linked this payment directly to the Venezuela grant because of the timing and the size of the payment. But we were in negotiations with the Ministry of Health for reimbursement for these payments and for these costs long before the Venezuela came in. And, as I said, the funds are in one consolidated funds, and in no that any requisition or any payment requisition said specifically that these were paid from the Venezuela grant.”

Julia Castillo, Commissioner
“Mr. Knowles you were the Director of Finance in charge of accounts.”

Cecil Knowles
“Yes, but I can’t recall specifically each item and I do not have a reconciliation in front of me and I do have access to the records currently; Ms. Fairweather has that. I was not given the opportunity, as I said. I met with the auditors fro an hour and a half concerning general procedures. Not one specific thing was questioned about any of these instances when I was interviewed by the auditors. If they did, they would have that information currently in front of you.”

Adolph Lucas
“So you’re saying categorically no medical supplies were bought out of the Venezuelan grant.”

Cecil Knowles
“I’m saying categorically.”