According to reports, the specific details about the expenditure were revealed during a sitting of the Assembly while the members of the NRP Administration accounted for tens of millions of dollars overspent by the former administration (CCM) over a six-year period. The expenditure was classified by the current administration as unplanned and it also suggests that it should not have taken place without being brought to the Nevis Island Assembly for approval in 2003.

“Madame President, George David: he was paid $68,342 for furniture for the Independence Office. Where is the Independence Office and where is the furniture and who is going to account for it? I live in Nevis and I am supposed to know where the Independence Office is and I don’t have a clue,” the Deputy Premier exclaimed.

“An air-conditioning company got $6,500 to put in the A/C unit, $68,342 for the furniture and $6,500 – $74,842 for the Independence Office. So where it is?” asked the Daniel

Gingerland’s MP Vance Amory, who was the sole Member of the Opposition Bench present throughout the nine-hour sitting, failed to account for the expenditure paid and put to him as the former Premier and former Minister of Finance – who at the time was in a position to grant approval for the funds.

The other Opposition members of parliament who did not attend Tuesday’s sitting included, St. James MP, Jean Harris and Opposition Senator, Mark Brantley. Brantley also serves as the Leader of the Opposition of the National Assembly and as Head of the Public Accounts Committee.