UPDATE: Grotto Home allegations of misappropriation “irresponsible” says attorney

 

The board of the Grotto Home for the Homeless in Roseau says it is investigating a matter which appears to involve the gross misappropriation of funds by a supervisor at the institution and will soon be taking its findings to the police.

Public Relations Officer at the Home Parry Bellot said between $40,000 and $100,000 may have been stolen over a period of time.

But attorney representing the supervisor Gildon Richards described the allegations as “unfortunate and irresponsible.” “There is no evidence of wrong doing,” he told DNO. “There is no evidence of these outlandish accusations being made to smear this lady’s reputation.”

Bellot told DNO the matter came to light recently when the former supervisor went on leave and the new supervisor began noticing inconsistencies. “The supervisor who was going on leave made notes in her own handwriting on what other staff members should do in her absence which did not make sense,” he explained.

“We have lots of instances of this and many others,” Bellot revealed. “The evidence of wrongdoing is right there. It is in the supervisor’s own handwriting.”

He said when the supervisor was informed of the alleged misappropriation she immediately sent in a letter of resignation. He also said when the Grotto Home board wrote to the supervisor outlining certain items that needed to be clarified, she refused to correspond with the board and instead, took the matter to a lawyer.

However, Richards told DNO that he did communicate with the board on the behalf of the supervisor, who he said is overseas. “I have written to the board on this asking for evidence” he said. “I made a copy to every single member of board and have gotten no response.”

Richards went on to explain that since going abroad, the supervisor has become gravely ill and the board was also informed of this turn of events. “So I have a difficulty in understanding this,” he said. “It is grossly misleading.”

According to Bellot, it might appear that the board was not doing its job but institutions like the Grotto Home operate on trust. “The Grotto Home is a charity and we trust people,” he said.

The police have been informed of the matter and Bellot said the board will soon be writing an official report to the Police Commissioner.

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76 Comments

  1. Views Expressed
    October 19, 2012

    I am asking again, is it not proper to be consistent where there it is assumed to be allegations of wrong doing, in that public funds that not only should be seen to be done at such a NGO but at government level also. We have numerous allegations of wrong doing within government, for example the bin bobol where money was paid back and they wanted to hang lennox Linton for bringing to light and we subsequently got a refund….. Where are they advocates of decency, or is it a political hit back to get at an opposition party member..Parry please investigate and tell us of thievery and wrong doing at the governmentlevels please,

  2. Emilien
    October 19, 2012

    There is someone looking just like her on Facebook enjoying Carnival in Miami! GRAERLY ILL? She does not look so though.

  3. Justice and Truth
    October 19, 2012

    Everyone hold your criticism of Parry Bellot. It is obvious that he has had suspicion of misappropriation of Grotto funds and conducted his own internal investigation.
    Never put your hand in fire for anyone unless you can prove their innocence. Innocence has not yet been proven but some are insinuating that she is not guilty, commencing with her lawyer. Time will tell.
    Generally, a supervisor has a manager. She was left on her own to perform her duties without higher up supervision.
    Annual audits are usually conducted. There are times the auditors do not immediately uncover misappropriation of funds.
    Did the Board of Directors not have an annual meeting to review the Grotto records? If not, there is no doubt that they trusted her.
    Everything should be done in an orderly manner. Firstly, an audit of the Grotto’s records, accounts receivable and payable and bank’s records should be conducted by auditors of integrity. The records should reveal if the funds were indeed misappropriated. After this is completed, if indeed there was misappropriation of funds, an investigation of her personal bank record transactions and other transactions should be conducted.
    It is strange that when she was contacted she immediately resigned. Then it was reported that she is out of the country and is ill. Would it be that she has no intention of returning to Dominica or not in the near future?

    • junapy
      October 20, 2012

      Look who is talking. The hypocrite catholic who defend blatant corruption in government

  4. T mama
    October 18, 2012

    Parry make sure u have ur facts straight eh…u just come and parley….this people work so hard and are dedicated…not many persons want to do that kind of work…do not put anyone to shame if your facts are not sure…hmmmm

    • Justice and Truth
      October 19, 2012

      You, prior to giving him advice which he does not need from you, wait to hear the balance of the story. There is no smoke without fire.

  5. simply blessed
    October 18, 2012

    DNO i not calling names. but it hurt my heart, one day, not too long ago, i went by whitchurch and i saw a certain employee (wont say what position he/she holds) changing pension cheques. and is not one the person hand in their hand eh. buying an item on each one of them. who gave she/he the authority? a place like the grotto home, where people are homeless, getting a little pension they work hard for all their life and cannot enjoy it. please investigate that place and let the person pay back alllllllll the money she/he took.

  6. WATCHING
    October 18, 2012

    Do you really expect Q95 to say a word about this? Last night a panelist on a programme on GREEN HILL HOME was making reference to the Government Yes We Care Programme and she was cut in “mid-sentence” by the moderator Arthie Martin to take a break. We can not fool all the people all the time.

  7. Justice
    October 18, 2012

    Its a shame to see how one who could clearly be considered a hero is treated by Bellot!!

    Bellot must stop this nonsense!!! There is no Money one can pay for the Thankless Job done. love and commitment to the inmate at Grotto is unconditional and unmatchable.

    Bellot would not last as week a supervisor of grotto home under such adverse conditions. I am writing this with tears in my eyes becuase I know the condition and types of inmates to deal with on a daily basis. Where family members failed took over. All we should do now is say thanks and Honour her!!!!!!!!!

    • Justice and Truth
      October 19, 2012

      The manner in which she performed her duties is not being criticized. The issue here is misappropriation of funds. They are two different issues, not to be mixed up with the other.

  8. citizen83
    October 18, 2012

    DNO thumps up thumbs down aaaarrrrgggghhhhhh

  9. Straight talk
    October 18, 2012

    This is what makes all the difference and separates us as a people.
    If we like a person they can do no wrong ,if rhey are in our party the same goes.
    If it ain’t a friend we kill em off.
    Now party/family/friend call it what you will.
    Court legal or kangaroo when a characte has a track record( in this case so well known) that cannot be defended what does one expect to be the public’s take?
    What’s the colour of the white Horse?
    90% of the posts seemed bent on her defense,it says something about our nation.

    • Justice and Truth
      October 19, 2012

      They are not fair people. They have not heard the entire story but they are defending her.

  10. PANCHO
    October 18, 2012

    Roseau Valley your party hanging people with less evidence than that interesting isn’t it so whats good for the goose is good for the gander

    • Niles Backlay/C-loo
      October 18, 2012

      You must be Crazzzzzzzzzzzzzzy you are not knowledgeble of the accused.

  11. hmmmm
    October 18, 2012

    Who is Mr Bellot to accuse anyone? Is he all above board? This whole matter is being handled back to front and is shameful. It is time Mr Bellot is retired to a nice rocking chair somewhere on a mountain side so we don’t have to hear his rantings.

    • Justice and Truth
      October 19, 2012

      You are rude and out of place. He is performing his job and you are criticizing him? When the truth of this matter unfolds what will all of you say? Will you still say that the supervisor is wrongfully accused? Wait to here the evidence. Be neutral for the time being. This is what a sensible person would do.

  12. Distured
    October 17, 2012

    So… at the end of it all… is greed. Sigh. The demons ppl give into and den say they “saved”.

    No judge will be able to pass proper judgement as long as they are mortal… or worse, “humane”.

  13. yes i
    October 17, 2012

    politics does do things we papa. And some people just like to spoil people name

    • Straight to Jail
      October 18, 2012

      spoil name give us a break

  14. ROSEAU VALLEY
    October 17, 2012

    DNO – I am glad that you have updated this story. The initial publication was of concern.

    It would be a sad situation if the evidence from the ongoing investigation were to support the allegations reported by Mr. Bellot.

    I am mindful of the highly politically charged society in which we live and the attempts of the unscrupulous to destroy the good name of others for political and other reasons.

    Based on certain observations, something did not seem right with the initial report and I thought that DNO should exercise caution.

    The first I heard of these allegations was on the Next Level Programme on KairiFM a few weeks ago. A regular caller – Sogofly made the allegations and suggested that the person involved was a critic of the government and a supporter of the UWP. The hosts of the programme indicated that this was interesting development and promised to look into the matter.

    It would be useful to know whether the Director of Audit is involved or whether any qualified audit opinion has been expressed in the past on the management of the public funds given to the Grotto or whether the Board itself is prepared to accept its own responsibility / lack of accountability and its own failure to ensure effective internal controls and oversight -were the allegations to be true.

    Ideally, such a story should be brought to the public upon the conclusion of the internal investigations as it may well turn out that there was no need to rush to the media with the story.

    For that reason, the intervention by Mr. Richards may have helped to curb the potential damage that could have been caused to the individuals concerned.

    The mere fact that the supervisor/manager in question may have put instructions in his/her own handwriting and left an audit trail suggests either an attempt to be above board and honest in his/her dealings or outright ignorance, naivety and/or stupidity. Only a thorough investigation would reveal the intent.

    It may well be that the supervisor have been operating on the same basis of trust that Mr. Bellot may now have violated in his rush to judgment as it is well known that the management of the Grotto has over the years served with commitment, dedication and pride, while making tremendous personal sacrifices to ensure that the Grotto inmates were comfortable in the absence of adequate resources.

    Respectfully
    Roseau Valley

    • Civil Servant
      October 18, 2012

      Roseau Valley I see you are very concerned when allegations are made without the proper evidence and investigations. I to believe that Mr Bellot has spoken to soon. I also believe that the Office of the Director of Audit should conduct an Audit Review since government subventions is involved.

      However, you need to show such balance in all cases. When it is the other side you are prepared to condemn without a thread of evidence. Take for instance the dual citizen case.

      • Civil Servant
        October 18, 2012

        And had the story came from q95 and Tony Astaphans mude such comments as Richards! Tony would be condemned by you as supporting corruption. I guess in your books one set of people can be condemned by mere allegations without evidence.

        I am not saying in any way that the alleged case in point is false or true.

      • ROSEAU VALLEY
        October 18, 2012

        Civil Servant, I am glad to know that you are such a loyal public servant, who stands up for transparency, accountability and justice in governance. I trust that in your lowly capacity, you are actively playing your part in ensuring the same in the public service.

        As you well know, I do try to present a balanced, informed and measured point of view on every issue (admittedly within the parameters of my personal biases) but let’s face it –one cannot be convinced that a white towel is red simply because he is looking at the towel through red lenses. A wrong is a wrong. Period. It does not matter on what side of the political fence it is committed.

        It is not my intention to exonerate anyone in this case. I admit that it would sad and unfortunate if at the end of the day the evidence supports the premature public allegations made by Mr. Bellot. Then, the chips must fall where they may.

        However, based on my observations, it appears that this entire story is being orchestrated for political consumption and perhaps things are not as grave as Mr. Bellot has portrayed it. I am just saying based on the source of the story and the manner in which it was brought to the attention of the public one must be careful in accepting it as presented.

        As I am sure you would appreciate, if a story comes out on Q95 about anyone- Labourite, UWPite or Freedomrite, I would condemn it in the absence of the low threshold of evidence that an ordinary man would consider to be probable or truthful.

        Suffice it to say, your example of the dual citizenship case is a stretch and very poor example. I suppose we are dealing with an ordinary citizen here and not one who has presented his/herself as a representative of others in public service.

        The dual citizenship case proceeded on the basis of legal skills, technicalities in the law of evidence and showmanship. It has very little to do with truth, integrity, honour, trust, candour and honesty as expected from those who presented themselves to us as political leaders. I make no apology for being critical of those who have failed us in public service. After all,, the defendants are government officials at the highest level, who took an oath to defend our constitution and our laws, yet saw it appropriate to plead “self-incrimination” for crying out loud.

        Respectfully
        Roseau valley

      • girl
        October 18, 2012

        CIVIL SERVANT I AGREE

    • Creole Week
      October 18, 2012

      Yes, you stated the case well. but had it been a labourite you would have a different viewpoint

    • Justice and Truth
      October 19, 2012

      Some of you are in denial that this could happen. You are of the opinion that she is innocent and that she is wrongfully accused even though you have not yet heard the entire evidence. It is foolish to conclude that the accused did nothing wrong when you have not seen and read the records. Why do you not wait until then and you will be in a better position to judge whether she is not at fault or not. The truth will surface sooner or later.

  15. Doc. Love
    October 17, 2012

    I heard Parry on radio giving his side of the irregularities even before the police was notified for an investigation of such a grand sum of money.Many people are aware of the reasons why Parry has shown such exuberance on this matter.It is alledged that the supervisor involved is married to a prominent member of the UWP, therefore,all that horse manure concerning trust is exactly what it is horse manure.

  16. Skeptic
    October 17, 2012

    If this is like Parry’s previous public pronouncement ( regarding the public service) then I will take it with a grain of salt. It seems that this man is in the habit of making inflammatory statements with absoloutely no evidence to support them. If a crime was committed let the police investigate. Why bring it to the Kangaroo Court on DNO??

    • simply blessed
      October 18, 2012

      @skeptic – lololoololol

  17. an observer
    October 17, 2012

    sure i expect some people to blame parry bellot. one question, is lennox letting investigation take place before he tarnish people’s name? Dominicans to sutiwes if it was a labourite, q95 would not have space on the air to lambase skerrit, . shame, shame, shame.

  18. true dminican
    October 17, 2012

    oh please people.Stop it. See no evil hear no evil. LMAO. Whoa. It have plenty more bombshells to burst. And is the P.M they checking. Check still. woosh toosh toosh.

    • Met Yo
      October 18, 2012

      clown

  19. Cancun
    October 17, 2012

    I think that is more an attack on the character of the individual more than anything else. In 2012 how do you trust someone with over $100,000? Why are you going to the press before you even write a complete report to the police? if i were the supervisor, when I get better I would sue you guys and leave you unethical people’s position.

  20. Grotto Family
    October 17, 2012

    My opinionis that Mr. Belllot supposedly acting on behalf of the board should have refrained from making any direct public statement on the matter untill the investigations are completed and the police is ready to make an arrest if there is indeed need for that. From what Mr. Bellot said, it appears that the investigations are still ongoing and perhaps more matters could come to light either to justify the suspicions or help clear the air on waht initially appeared tobe wrong doings. It may very well be that the proper cause of justice could have been compromised with that public discussion.

    It is clear though that something went amiss at the Grotto. What? we do not know. But I do sincerely wish the lady well. Her reputation has taken a nasty beating. I know what it is to be criminally labelled and maligned. But responding to legitimate requests for answers to serious matters by ones employer through an attorney in matters such as these only serve to spread fuel to the fire. Why the immediate resignation anyway? Is it becasue there is no intention to return to the country?

    • Justice and Truth
      October 19, 2012

      Do some of you have any sense in your heads? You are lacking common sense. If he did not conduct an investigating how could he have said that approximately $40,000 to $100,000 was appropriated?

      • Justice and Truth
        October 19, 2012

        :oops: Investigation.

  21. hmm
    October 17, 2012

    Is Parry trying to jeopardise the case even before it goes to the police?

    he needs to put a sock in it.

  22. Deborah Peters
    October 17, 2012

    It is strange that now some people want to talk about others they seem to have “memoir pool” lol.
    Investigate their consciences first.

  23. October 17, 2012

    An ant; An orange; An apple; An ink…. all must be held accountable!

  24. Smh
    October 17, 2012

    Tell us the person name cuz it was PM ALLU WOULD BE HAPPY N PROUD TO SAY HIS NAME !!!!!

  25. maindesk
    October 17, 2012

    Unfortunately the supervisor is being tried in the court of public opinion before even an investigation by the proper authorities

  26. signs
    October 17, 2012

    i am missing the like and dislike button, usually my only input.

    • DESIE
      October 17, 2012

      commenting is no fun without the like n dislike feature

    • hm!
      October 17, 2012

      i like your comment :)
      i guess that’s what we have to do now

  27. Formi
    October 17, 2012

    Mr. Bellot should have delayed his announcement until the Police conducted their investigations and charge whoever is responsible. He must recall that he was in a similar situation years ago as treasurer at the very same Grotto.

    • Hmmmm....
      October 17, 2012

      :) Its always useful to put things in context. Thanks for adding clarity to the debate.

    • Congratts!
      October 17, 2012

      Mr. Bellot was too busy getting in Public Servants business by calling them lazy. Now they send him home he gone to investigate something, give Parry Bellot work to do

  28. sweet marie
    October 17, 2012

    Well Mr. Parry if the charity runs on trust why have a board and why do any investigations? Just continue trusting.

    • Justice and Truth
      October 19, 2012

      You are not intelligent. She was trusted. This is what he meant.

  29. concerned
    October 17, 2012

    After all of you enjoy the red clini money know you want to know where it come from

  30. Civil Servant
    October 17, 2012

    Mr Bellot and the Board since government subventions is involved I think that the Office of the Director of Audit should be called in to conduct an Audit of the use of Government Funds.

  31. HONEST
    October 17, 2012

    Weh Weh Weh……SHAME… SHAME

  32. October 17, 2012

    y do our own people try to keep our selvse down?our elderly are an integral part of our world’y abuse and take advantage them?remember there`s a god above.he sees all and know`s all

  33. mouth of the south
    October 17, 2012

    i really want to know when they’ll start investigating the treasury dep’t and the p.m’s office… we have to know where all the red clinic money coming from

    • dr a
      October 17, 2012

      there’s trust here so investigation is not needed

      • TRUST2
        October 18, 2012

        Yea man we trust the supervisor, but I DON’T trust Parry.

    • Justice and Truth
      October 19, 2012

      If the money is assisting the needy, why would you want to know where it is coming from? What business is it of yours to want to know that? Are you assuming that the money given to the Red Clinic is stolen? You have no sense whatsoever.
      I reside in a country where millions of people are on social welfare. We are aware that and also our common sense tell us that the money comes from taxpayers’ income. Should it not be the same in Dominica? Of course, Dominica receives loans from the Caribbean Bank and elsewhere. This is where the money is coming from. Why make it your business? The government has to assist the needy. You should not allow your mind to wonder about it. Thank God that you are not in need of and pray to him that you will never be in need of.

  34. Anonymous
    October 17, 2012

    Sad situation

  35. Anonymous
    October 17, 2012

    Trust? According to Ronald Reagan, “trust, but verify”. So what exactly was the board doing? Is there no audits done to ensure the funds are secure?

    When will our institutions in DA buck up?

    • Not a herd follower
      October 17, 2012

      I concur with you. The Board was at sleep at the wheels. This breach of trust was going on for years, according to Mr. Bellot The Board is at fault as well.

      • Justice and Truth
        October 19, 2012

        ‘asleep’

  36. Anonymous
    October 17, 2012

    Why bring it to the public until the investigation has been completed and reported to the police ?

  37. huh?
    October 17, 2012

    whats the supervisor’s name

  38. INSIDER
    October 17, 2012

    Oh get lost Parry Bellot… It would appear that the board failed miserably in its duties if all that money could be misappropriated. And since Grotto is a charitable organization there should be what??? No accountability????

    Shouldn’t there have annual reports and yearly audits conducted.

    Welcome to “grotto-gate” lets see if a security guard will mess up the plan. Lol!!! Lol!!!!

  39. Joe
    October 17, 2012

    Well Bellot you all now learn that you don’t run anything base on ‘TRUST’ you must put systems in place to ensure adequate control, especially when you running a charity institution because lots of dry cash is donated to that institution!!

  40. TRUEMAN
    October 17, 2012

    “The Grotto Home is a charity and we trust people,” he said.

    But verifications are needed even with trustworthy people!! I suppose the board was doing exactly what Mr.Bellot is saying. They trusted the Fmr. Supervisor so much, that they DID NOTHING!! That is unacceptable!

    • TRUST2
      October 18, 2012

      Actually I think it is acceptable. That’s what u call “TRUST”.

  41. WOW
    October 17, 2012

    Oh my gosh. That’s just sad. Why should anyone steal from the poor and needy? If this is true, then shame on you

    • Justice and Truth
      October 19, 2012

      As we say, “What else is new?” This should not surprise you. People steal from the poor and needy all the time. They steal in general. It occurs in high places as also in the banking institutions. Poor people bank there as well.

  42. Anonymous
    October 17, 2012

    what about those paupers accounts at the financial institutions

  43. stupes
    October 17, 2012

    Who is the supervisor?????????hmmmmmmmmm..SMH

  44. i wonder
    October 17, 2012

    how was that started, someone give me history

  45. Country
    October 17, 2012

    What’s the name of the supervisor who went on leave?

  46. Thinkaboutit
    October 17, 2012

    Trust is NOT an internal control!

    • my take
      October 17, 2012

      I agree with you..These things keep happening over and over…Every now and then a story comes out about dishonest people put in positions of authority..Enforce proper accounting sytems in all institutions..TRUST NO ONE..

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