(CMR) A Civil Servant who reported government minister Bernie Bush for inappropriate sexual behavior has demanded on several occasions that the government, particularly Premier Wayne Panton, compensate her $750,000 for the insult, CMR has been informed.
According to CMR exclusive sources, several letters were written in an attempt to get this payout. It is understood that the woman threatened that if she did not receive the money, she would go to the media with the information.
Minister of Sports, Youth and Culture Bernie Bush, who is accused of making lewd sexual remarks in the woman's presence has apologized; however, the female has questioned the sincerity of his apology.
CMR has been told that in May, the woman, in making her demands, said CMR already had the information and was awaiting her permission to publish. However, CMR was made aware of the incident in June, but was asked to hold off on publishing as she was in contact with her lawyer. The woman also said she had reported the matter to the police; however, in response to a query from CMR, the police said they had not received a report.
Meantime, despite reports to the contrary, Premier Wayne Panton said he responded immediately upon hearing of the the allegations against Minister Bernie Bush.
“Each time this matter was brought to my attention, either I or someone acting on my behalf addressed the issue – in February, in May and again in August,” Premier Panton said in a statement .
“In February, I received a verbal briefing on the matter, I then spoke with the Minister and understood that he had apologized and the issue had been resolved,” the Premier explained.
He continued, “On the 4th of May, during my absence, the Hon Deputy Premier, was advised by the head of the Civil service, that the said employee had expressed her dissatisfaction with the Minister's earlier verbal apology. Following this advice, the Deputy Premier contacted Senior Staff in my office to assist in having a written apology provided to the employee. I was briefed on the matter by the Deputy Premier via a phone call.”
Premier Panton said later that evening, he received written confirmation, from his office, that the employee was satisfied with the outcome and the way in which the matter was handled.
“In late August I again received indication of dissatisfaction and for the first time, a written complaint from the employee. She received a response within a week. For the good of all the parties involved and given the sensitive nature of the matter, I continue to exercise restraint in my comments,” Panton said.
CMR will discuss the issue on The Cold Hard Truth this Friday, 27 October.
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