The need for ramped-up security for 23 MLAs, civil servants and members of the judiciary after a home invasion that took place on 15 September, 2005 led to a $2,899,043 security services tab in the 05/06 fiscal year.
The security was initiated last year after two armed men forced their way into a Patrick’s Island subdivision home where two women and five children were home at the time. The men eventually robbed the house and fled.
From reports by the victims of what transpired and the statements made by the suspects, there was evidence that the intended victim was Attorney General Sam Bulgin, who lives in the area.
The amount spent on the beefed-up security was discussed animatedly in Finance Committee Monday, when the government revealed there was an added $2.1 million to the original $799,043 budgeted for LA members’ security.
However, when asked by opposition members to divulge further details on the expenditures, Alden McLaughlin, Minister of Education, Training, Employment, Youth, Sports and Culture, warned the questions were leading to dangerous territory.
Mr. McLaughlin lashed out at the Opposition.
‘Basically, you’re asking us to reveal who the most vulnerable targets are,’ he said. ‘And that’s extremely dangerous.’
Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush said he supported the security measures, but maintained that he was interested in more details on how the money was being spent.
The services are being provided by a combination of police and private security firms.
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