Base crisis -- more allegations revealed
Station can be revealed by The Royal Gazette today.
They amount to a scathing attack on military chiefs, with claims that alleged sex attacks were downplayed and an investigative report on one of the incidents altered.
And further charges have been made -- including frequent drink-driving by staff, and attacks by servicemen on military Police.
The details are in sworn statements by the PrimeTime Live whistle-blowers -- Senior Chief Petty Officer George Randall Taylor and Second Class Petty Officer Thomas William Coggins.
The award-winning military Police officers' affidavits have been acquired by The Royal Gazette .
They are also in the hands of US Congressmen, the Department of Defence, the Inspector General's office, and members of the Armed Services Committee.
We can now reveal fresh allegations of: A security department in turmoil when Chief Taylor, head of the Military Police, arrived at the Base in May this year.
Initial failure of an anti-submarine squadron to provide personnel to be quizzed over an alleged sexual assault on two female service members.
A report into the alleged incident being altered after complaints by military chiefs over its recommendation for assault charges to be brought.
Chief Taylor obtaining a confession over a rape case, 14 months after the Naval Investigative Service had produced a one-page report on the incident, and identified no suspects.
Many personnel driving on Base apparently under the influence of alcohol.
Military Policemen assaulted by drink-drive suspects, but no disciplinary action taken.
The PrimeTime Live allegations of misuse of Government vehicles, and military VIPs turning the Base into a virtual holiday camp are also made.
The affidavits have been made to Mr. Thomas Devine, the Legal Director of the Government Accountability Project (GAP).
GAP is a non-profit law firm aimed at protecting whistle-blowers from any backlash over their allegations.
In his statement, Chief Taylor, a holder of many naval awards, expresses dismay at being fired for alleged insubordination, and referred to a psychiatrist for "evaluation.'' "I have been ranked as one of the highest enlisted men in the Navy. What has really hurt me, is that in less than a month and a half, I can go from one of the best enlisted men in the Navy to a `crazy'.'' Chief Taylor says he inherited a department in "total turmoil'' when he arrived.
"There did not appear to be any effective leadership, and the department appeared to have its hands tied by the Commanding Officer from enforcing rules and regulations.
"I inherited a staff with low morale, personnel problems, equipment problems, and administrative deficiencies.'' Chief Taylor writes of a difficult relationship with the Commanding Officer, Capt. Jim Arnold.
"My initiatives to restructure the department covered working hours, training and morale.
"It became apparent, however, that the commander only supported me to the extent my efforts didn't make waves.'' On the alleged sex assault on two women at The Wharf, St. George's, in September, Chief Taylor says he experienced problems investigating.
"The squadron personnel did not want to cooperate with the investigation and tried to downplay the incident ... For a couple of days the Squadron Legal Officer stonewalled by failing to provide personnel to be interviewed.'' Chief Taylor claims his investigative report was altered at the direction of Capt. Arnold.
The second sex incident involved the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl at the Tradewinds Club on Base.
Chief Taylor says a report was submitted through the chain of command.
"On or about October 31, 1992, the Commanding Officer directed the Security Officer to relieve me of my duties for `waking a sleeping giant'.'' Chief Taylor goes on to state: "Other abuses of authority at Bermuda have included, the total disregard for the set of the Chief of Naval Personnel policies against drunk driving.'' And he adds: "There have been numerous instances of Military Policemen being assaulted by suspects, but no disciplinary action was taken against the suspects concerned.''