UB President says audit not complete yet
Cary Fraser
Late this evening News Five asked University of Belize’s President Dr. Cary Fraser to offer an official comment or position on the allegations being levied by the university’s Faculty and Staff Association. His position is that he was hired at the university to reform the institution academically and administratively, and reform will inevitably create conflicts. He says that he won’t comment on the allegations, or about the parties involved, until the audit is complete, and that should happen in about two weeks.
Dr. Cary Fraser, President, University of Belize
“What has happened is that the audit bares various issues. There were questions that I’ve had within the institution as I tried to find out what had happened. I have been doing my own look at what was presented to me and I have been asking further questions about these issues. If it seems long, my position is whether it is long or not, I insist on it being thorough because I do not wish to be put in a position where I am seen to be acting on the basis of incomplete information. I want to make sure that my information is complete. I commissioned the audit; I knew what I was looking for. I’ve asked for clarity. My part about it is a report came in, I raised question about issues arising off of that report, I am seeking clarity on the issues I’ve raised. But the important part for me is that when these entire set of issues are dealt with, we can move beyond it. I am prepared to act on the basis of complete information. So it is on that kind of context I am operating. I do not wish to be seen like rushing to judgment; I do not wish to be seen as delaying anything. I want to make sure that the important part that I am seeking complete information to ensure that whatever recommendation that I make stand on the basis of accurate and complete information. I am talking to all parties and I am trying to make sure that we do not do anything on any side that will damage the institution. I keep the lines of communication open and I am trying to get this resolved without any damage to the institution. So I want to stress that to take the biblical observation, this too shall pass.”
The external audit in question was commissioned by Fraser and was handed over in June of 2012. Late this evening the Board of Trustees issued a very brief release advising that they do intend to respond to the allegations being made against them. The Board says that they will not be hasty in their response to, in their words, the very spurious and defamatory allegations, since they need to follow due process.
Pres. Fraser sounds thoughtful and proper, but I do not understand what is incomplete if the external audit was finished nearly a year ago? What more is to be done now?
There is such a long and sad history in Belize of evidence of theft being buried and altered that we are all naturally suspicious of the unduly long delay between the audit being completed and any action being taken. Or maybe it’s just necessary to wait until the criminal statute of limitations has run out, and nobody can be put in jail for their theft.
HURRY UP, PRES. FRASER. It’s not your money that was stolen, it belongs to all the hardworking people in the country and the students.
WE WANT REAL JUSTICE — and that means crimes must be punished to the full extent of the law.
They haven’t interviewed the interim president yet about the pay raise for the hr dept. and i think the lady crawford will get sued for defaming the HR officer.The HR officer did not receive her pay scale, hence the salary increase, which is still below her pay scale today. But the Crawford never attend board meetings to question the auditor. so the board could sue her, and the HR manager should definitely sue her for defaming her name. Crawford fool fool, oudated… if she only waited …now she will find out what happens when u don’t wait for complete information.
They must find it hard to take Truth for authority who have so long mistaken Authority for Truth.