Chapter Nine: The Budget HearingA Chapter by Klyflyhigh
Later, down at the UNEP’s Executive Director’s
conference room, right on schedule, in attendance and seated at the long
rectangular table for the DEWA’s budget committee hearing were the following:
UNEP
Executive Director David Palmer UN
Budget and Finance Director Jack Almeda Ronald
Mcvet, Director, DEWA Kevin
Mc Allister, for Abe Singh, Early Warning Bureau Keith
Fatou, Chief, Scientific Assessment Branch Dave
Monik, Chief, Capacity Development Branch Adel
Kadel, Regional Coordinator, West Asia Anna
Stavra, R.C. Asia-Pacific Fred
Turya, R.C. Africa region Will
Litt, R.C. Grid -- Europe Grace
Mettern, R.C. Latin America & the Caribbean “Before we proceed with the hearing,” DEWA Director
Mcvet said, “Let me give you all a warm welcome to Nairobi, Kenya. We are
honored to have here with us, Finance Director Almeda and UNEP Executive
Director David Palmer, who, together, will direct the panel to the particulars
of this committee hearing. Here today to represent Mr. Abe Singh, who
unfortunately had a mild stroke and had to be confined at the intensive care
unit at the hospital, is Kevin McAllister, the Assistant Chief of the Early
Warning Branch. Now, to proceed with this committee hearing is Executive
Director Palmer.” Standing up from his seat in the middle of the long
rectangular conference table, Executive Director Palmer towered all over the
people seated in this meeting as he confidently began, “Good morning, Honorable Colleagues, Ladies And
Gentlemen of this August body. Today, we are called upon to attend and address
an important issue, the issue of granting the appropriate budget for the
Department of Early Warning and Assessment (DEWA). This, my colleagues, as we
are all aware of, is a highly prioritized decision that we are all
required to consider and make. I would like to point out some factors, which
needed to be addressed. Is DEWA currently relevant to the UNEP’s operation?
What is the DEWA’s contribution to the world’s environmental crises? How are we
today with regards to these issues? Did they acquire any intelligence and
information, both advance and present? What are the DEWA’s strategies to inform
and alert the world should the need arises? Most of all, how is DEWA
and all its bureaus progressing regarding their newly-found research of the
developing issue of Global Warming? My Dear Colleagues, I know this is not
an easy task to tackle in one sitting. But believe me, I had been there, and I
realized that there is no easy way out, especially if we are speaking of a
worldwide crisis in particular, which can only be seen through the eyes of this
department. So today, my Dear Friends, we become collaborators and partners in
finding out the truth on these questions that we put down on the table. Let me
remind you that we are all professionals here, and our main concern is to
work and fight for the rights of everybody on this planet. So let us buckle up
and let’s get to work.” As soon as the people in the room began to settle
down, Mr. Mcvet stood up and said, “My Dear Colleagues, may I now call on
Executive Director for budget and finance, Mr. Jack Almeda.” In his three-piece suit, Mr. Almeda exuded
confidence as he rose from his seat and spoke in a deep voice but in a very
gentle manner, “My Colleagues, Ladies And Gentlemen, I am only here today to
validate the budget forecast, which Mr. Mcvet submitted to my office, and to
confirm together with Executive Director Palmer the authenticity of those
documents. So may I say, let us all calm down and let us now begin.” As he sat
down, he gestured to Mr. Mcvet to start the meeting. On cue, Mr. Mcvet began to distribute colored
folders to each of the people around the table, starting from his right side. “The blue folder is my department’s budget report
for review. So please, with all due respect, may I request all of you to go
over them one more time?” Mr. Mcvet said. As soon as he returned to his seat,
the panel was already busy looking over the blue folders. “Mr. Mcvet, may I direct you to section 3, paragraph
2, The New Science Research and Development Bureau.” Executive Director Palmer
spoke out. “My question is, doesn’t Mr. Fatou’s Scientific Assessment
Branch already performing these tasks? Is it not also their responsibility to
handle and to be involved in research and development programs? Please kindly
verify this for everyone here present.” Palmer continued. “This is correct, my Esteemed Colleagues.” Mr.
Mcvet, who was shifting through the pages of the report, looked up to Mr.
Palmer, and replied, “The Science Assessment Branch is also the department
which handles our research and development programs, but due to the resources
allocated to the Science Department, Mr. Fatou and I think it is best to create
and set up another R and D branch that
will only focus on research and development in accordance with the Science
Assessment Branch. And of course, this is to be headed by no less than Mr.
Fatou. This, of course, Ladies And Gentlemen, have to be with my consent and
approval as DEWA Director. Furthermore, a concurrence of this Committee presided
by Executive Director Palmer would add a lot of influence with the Secretary
General. Needless to say to Director Almeda, an adjustment to the budget for
the Science Branch will also be considered and approved by your good office. My
Dear Colleagues, the Science Assessment Branch is one of the most
important functions in our daily existence here at the United Nations and
around the globe. Especially with the Global Warming crisis we are currently
working on, Mr. Fatou here can explain further in details why establishing the
research and development branch is of the highest priority.” Mr. Mcvet then
gestured at Mr. Fatou to rise and speak up. When all of a sudden, Mcvet was interrupted by Mr.
Palmer and reminded him, “Mr. Mcvet, with my deepest apology, I would like to
call your attention back to the committee meeting here which is to tackle your
department’s branches and bureaus proposed budgets. Please be informed that
everything is placed on record and archived, and I would like to advise you to
take this matter up during some other time, so we can deliberate on it at
length. Won’t you agree, Mr. Finance Director Almeda?” Mr. Palmer asked, as he
glanced at Mr. Almeda, who nodded in approval. Flustered and a little frustrated, Mr. Mcvet stared
at Mr. Fatou long and hard as he signaled him to refrain from speaking, and
also nodded in agreement with Mr. Palmer and Mr. Almeda. “I apologize for my excitement, and I am also sorry
for the time I had wasted because I did not follow the protocol. Please forgive
my error in judgment. I submit to your suggestions and will designate a time
and a place to further discuss this new project. Thank you, my Fellow Colleagues.”
Mr. Mcvet said, then pulled out some red folders and distributed the files to
everyone in the room. After making sure each and everyone had a copy, he
began his presentation saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, in your hands are
the documents containing DEWA’s, and its bureaus’, budget proposals. The
chief of each bureau will each present and propose as indicated on the agenda
page of your folders. We’ll be starting first with the department’s priority:
the project collaborated both by the Early Warning Branch and the Science
Assessment Bureau on the developing research of Global Warming. The projects
and proposals regarding this matter would fall within the budget of the Early
Warning Bureau. It is most unfortunate that the bureau’s chief, Mr. Singh, is
not here present in person. Nevertheless, his most able Deputy Chief, Kevin
McAllister, will do the honors. Mr. McCallister?” Now as Mr. Mcvet acknowledged Kevin to begin, as a
warning, Mr. Fatou gave Kevin a threatening glance. Without further ado, Kevin
stood up with boldness and addressed the committee. “Most Distinguished Colleagues, Ladies and
Gentlemen, I would like to begin by first explaining why I am here to do the
presentation. I am here to report to you on behalf of Mr. Singh, as you were
made and led to believe that he is presently ill with a minor stroke.
However, on the contrary, I would like to inform you that he is in Geneva,
Switzerland right this very moment.” “Hey! C’mon Kevin, you must be joking!” Mr. Fatou
said. “I was there in person, with him in his suite and also when he was
brought to the hospital later on by the ambulance. What do you think you’re
doing?” “Hey! Is something the matter with you? Mr. Singh is
your immediate boss.” Mr. McVet commented. “Order! Order! This is a formal committee hearing,
and I demand proper decorum.” Executive Director Palmer banged his gavel on the
table. “Mr. McAllister, I would like to call your attention to the meeting at
hand and for you to follow the protocol and proceed with the hearing.” “Please, if I may, Ladies And Gentlemen,” Kevin said
as he pulled out some photocopied Polaroid photographs from an envelope in his
suitcase, “Here are copies of photographs
of Mr. Singh in an apartment in Kingsbury, located at the outskirts of Suburban
Geneva.” “What? When was this taken?” Mr. Mcvet said,
his mouth wide open, as Kevin handed out the photos to Director Palmer.” “Can we verify if it is Mr. Singh?” said Mr. Fatou,
now twitching after hearing this from Kevin. “Yes, I can identify that it is Mr. Singh on the
picture --” Mr. Palmer said as he and Mr. Almeda stared at the photograph. “Yes, but what about the chances and the
possibilities of a look-alike?” Mr. Fatou interjected and stood up to look at
the pictures himself. “Where did you get the photos anyway, Mr. McCallister?
Who’s your source?” “Yes, Mr. McCallister, where did you get these
photos?” Executive Director Palmer added as every eye around the room turned
towards Kevin. “These photos were faxed to me by Ray Reynolds, my brother-in-law,
who rescued my sister and girlfriend.” Kevin said. “They were abducted in
two separate circumstances and locations.” Loud gasps occupied the room as the UN Chiefs were
surprised, and at the same time, confused. “My Esteemed Colleagues, I beg you to please bear
with me. If you find in any manner what I am speaking of does not make any
sense, I would be glad to step out of this committee hearing - no, much
better - I would resign my position as well. Does this satisfy you?” Kevin
said. “Listen, Kevin. Please bear in mind that this is an
important, high-priority conference. Since right now Mr. Singh is not
available, our Esteemed Executive Director and Colleagues here present are
waiting for you to start the meeting. Please do not mix your personal agenda
into this meeting and with these people. C’mon, lighten up. You can tell me
everything after the hearing. What do you say?” Mr. Mcvet pleaded. As if not hearing Mcvet, Kevin insisted, “No, you
listen! I do apologize for my unbecoming and rude behavior, but please
hear me out first and all I need is only a few minutes of your time, and I can
prove to you everything I’ll divulge is true, as this will also be supported by
hard copies of evidences.” Watching them with pleading eyes, Kevin opened
his briefcase and started ruffling inside as he took the documents out and
placed them on the table. “Okay, you have five minutes and make it fast. The Committee
hearing is hereby adjourned until such time. Begin with your conspiracy theory,
Mr. McAllister.” Mr. Palmer said. “Thank you, Sir, and also to my esteemed colleagues,
for this opportunity. First, with Mr. Singh being taken ill, and while he
was supposed to be at the hospital, I can provide testimonies from people who
saw him and witnessed firsthand his being in Geneva. Right now, these people
are on their way to Sound Beach, USA and may arrive by later tonight or
tomorrow at the latest.” “Why can’t you prove anything now, so as not to
waste the time of our Esteemed Colleagues here present in the meeting, and
let’s get on with the hearing?” Mr. Fatou said, cutting Kevin off. “Next,” Kevin replied right away, not allowing time
for Mr. Fatou to speak any further, as he stared at him with contempt. “I have
the documents here proving that the budget supposed to be granted for
EWB’s perusal is in reality for the Science department’s expansion and
advancement in another project unbeknownst to this committee. This is about the
Red Giant theory. For your information, late in the seventies, Mr. Fatou, who
was working as a technical assistant, whose job was to monitor the sun’s
activity, made a discovery in one of his shifts. He noted and transcribed the
unusual color of the sun, that would indicate its early death. Later
on, he told his best friend, Mr. Abe Singh, and they both agreed to keep the
finding a secret, for whatever reason or profit, that we don’t know. Mr. Singh
kept this informati0on to himself without reporting to his superior, who at the
time was Mr. Mcvet, the then Science Assessment Bureau Chief, which is now
the current position of Mr. Fatou. Now,
if I may add, is Mr. Mcvet aware of all these affairs involving both Mr. Singh
and Mr. Fatou, and their discovery? So right now, I’ll be proving to you that
there is a conspiracy going on known as the Red Giant theory. And also, if the
flooding that Mr. Fatou’s department had predicted should occur, it’s not
because of global warming, but because of this Red Giant theory. Furthermore,
because of this theory " the early death of the sun " the big question would
be, when will this occur?” Kevin
then turned to Mcvet and continued, “And also Sir, please advise this committee
that this is not the case, which can undermine the credibility of this
respectable Organization. Sir, I’m speaking here of the United Nations.” Kevin
examined the stunned faces of the eleven people, who will decide his fate today
and his future at the DEWA office. Alert as always and never left flatfooted, Mr. Mcvet
asked, “Keith, what is Kevin talking about here? Do you have any knowledge of
this? Where and what happened to Mr. Singh? I demand answers, and I want them
now!” Even before Keith Fatou can speak, Kevin handed the
documents as his evidence to Mr. Palmer. The room fell silent as Mr. Palmer examined and read
the documents in his hands. His eyes got bigger and his head began to shake.
After going through the documents, in an icy cold voice which can freeze
anyone, Mr. Palmer asked, “Well, how can you now explain these secret projects,
or may I now use the term conspiracy?” Confident as usual, Keith Fatou said, “Sir, I beg
your pardon! There is no conspiracy at all. In the first place,
should I ever commit a conspiracy, am I bold enough to put everything in
writing and even officially document them? A secret or an
underground project in the works, would this be a reason to use the word as
conspiracy? The truth of the matter regarding the findings that Mr. McCallister
mentioned is that, we, in the Science Department, were able to recently
discover more about the greenhouse effect and this global warming issue, which
at any given time could cause a major flood around the globe. We are now
going around in circles just to be able to handle the problem. This is due to
the budget constraint our department is experiencing. That’s why we do not
need to perform our duties and responsibilities in this unusual manner. I hope
you can understand the dilemma we are in right now, sir. We are doing the
world, the UN, the UNEP, and all mankind the favor of trying to find out,
study, research, and even develop a means of saving the earth when the crisis
arises. And sir, I would like to reiterate again that all of these are being
done on a limited budget from your office. This is also the reason I made the
proposal to Mr. Mcvet to set up another unit under my department, so the new
bureau would handle its own budget allocation, so we could be more efficient in
performing our mandate in providing the DEWA the information and data they
require to make their proper assessment.” Now turning his attention to Mr. Mcvet, Mr. Palmer
simply asked, “Ronald, do you have anything to add to Keith’s statement? Mcvet said, “Sir, all I’m aware of is the proposal
made by Mr. Fatou about the necessity to set up another unit that concentrates
on research and development. This was submitted to me about several months ago.
I’m still in the phase of exploring the pros and cons of the said project, and
that’s why I placed it in my report to you today, in hope that we might discuss
and give it some finality. I mentioned my lack of knowledge in passing a
while ago about the documents in your possession. Sir, may I take a moment
to study those documents?” Mcvet then turned to Kevin and continued, “May I
also inquire, Mr. McCallister, how were you able to acquire those documents?” Everyone in the conference room turned to look at
Kevin, who now became very uncomfortable as he tried his best to compose
himself. “From a secret source. My Esteemed Colleagues, I am
again officially stating, as I had mentioned a moment ago, about leaving the
meeting and even resigning my position, should you find my deeds inappropriate
and dishonorable in any manner. What I’m about to tell you may offend and hurt
some individuals, but at this point in time I do not know of any recourse but
to hit it straight in the eye and take the risk. First, a lady friend I met
here managing a local bar, was abducted by none other than Mr. Fatou here,
with the help of his assistant, Michael Long, who unfortunately was
assassinated at the Geneva airport several hours ago. You can check this with
our office and personnel in our Geneva headquarters. And the most
disturbing of all, is even my boss, Mr. Singh, who is spearheading this
conspiracy, might still be in Geneva at this very moment. While you may
envision that all these sound like mere allegations, please bear in
mind they can be proven once everyone is safe and settled. They will
contact me and tell me how everything happened. I respectfully appeal to
the panel to please bear with me in the meantime for their safety. These
people are my relatives and friends. They are innocent bystanders caught up in
this web of lies and deceit. Let us ask Mr. Fatou why would he and his men
orchestrate the abduction of innocent civilians, especially my loved ones, as
hostages? The answer is obvious, my fellow Colleagues. They want me to lie for
them to be able to convince this Body to award me the additional financial
grants for our department. Mr. Singh, Mr. Fatou, and Mike Long, had time and
again discussed with me in private and in secrecy the merits of their objective
in setting me up to be here today to make sure their plan
works. Furthermore, Mr. Singh’s illness is just a mock up done in
accordance for me to be present at today’s budget hearing, so he can get
away from all the liabilities in case it doesn’t work in his favor. Let
the blame fall on me, as they would imply and say. Now for the clincher, as
they all know I’m a man of honor, to break me, they had to avert to extreme
methods as the kidnapping and abduction of my loved ones. Mr. Palmer, Mr.
Almeda, Mr. Mcvet, and my Esteemed Colleagues, justice is not granted as long
as the committee hides the real truth, and much even worse, covers this
conspiracy. Let this episode in the history of the UN, in particular, the UNEP,
be a lesson to all of us. We are all professionals, and we are here to serve
and provide the whole world with the talents God has given us to use in
accordance with, and for the improvement and enhancement of the society in
which we are a part of and where we make our so-called home. All being said,
here are the other documents which may serve as evidence against Mr. Singh, Mr.
Fatou, and Mike Long. Thank you for your time. Now if you still require, I’m
ready for the hearing.” “Thank you, Kevin.” Mr. Palmer said as his secretary
handed him a piece of paper. “All these pertinent documents will be examined
and cross checked by the Security and Intelligence department. Rest assured
justice will be meted out once all of the evidences are in place. Those persons
responsible will be dealt with. Now, in the meantime, my Secretary
did a check with the Geneva office, and they have confirmed Mike Long’s
assassination.” His eyes looked down on the piece of paper. “Also, Geneva office confirmed Mr. Singh did indeed
go into the building several times in the past three days with a tall young
lady.” Gesturing to his secretary to approach him, Palmer said, “Would you
please send this down to the Security and Intelligence Office, and ask them if
they could send some security officers up here? Thank you.” He continued to address the panel, “Now while
awaiting for the authentication of the documents to be presented as evidence,
if it pleases you, Director Mcvet, this Committee and I, as the Presiding Officer,
request to inhibit Mr. Fatou, his Assistants, and his Secretary from any more
involvement in this Committee hearing until further notice, and while the
investigation is ongoing. Is there any objection?” Executive Director Palmer
declared. “I second that.” Mr. Mcvet replied. “I concur.” Mr. Almeda said. “Let the motions be shown and recorded.” instructed
Mr. Palmer. Mr. Fatou, with our deepest concern and hope, this committee wishes
and extend to you and your staff all the best. May we soon meet again one day
without this cloud of doubt hanging over our heads? You and your staff may now
be excused. Kindly leave the room and report at once to the Security and
Intelligence department for further details with regards to the evaluation and
examination of this case. The security officers will accompany you, Thank you.” As Mr. Fatou and all his staff behind him stood up,
they all took one long gaze at each and every face in the conference room,
giving Kevin the longest stare, then turned around and started walking towards
the door. As the door closed after they left, Mr. Palmer
further stated, “While my secretary was checking all the information Kevin
provided. I had my Personal Assistant tasked to get a hold of Mr. Singh on the
phone and require him to report here at once. But suspiciously, there was no
Mr. Singh confined here at the local medical center. However, my ever efficient Personal Assistant
found that he was officially checked in at the Minerva hotel in Geneva, where
she left a message instructing Mr. Singh to take the first plane out of Geneva and
back to Kenya. Unfortunately for him, he did not respond to the request
even when we left several messages with the hotel operator and the
receptionist. Since we can’t wait for him, not knowing when he will be back,
I therefore decide and do hereby appoint Mr. Kevin McAllister as the new
EWB department Chief, effective immediately. All the authority of the previous
Chief will now be accorded to Mr. McAllister while the certificate of appointment
is being drafted and to be signed by the approving Officers. Is there any
objection from you, Director Mcvet?” “No, none at
all, Sir.” At a loss for words, Mr. Mcvet’s voice shook, burying his head in
his hands. “Now while we are done with the formalities, let’s
now proceed with the hearing proper. Mr. McCallister, will you still be able to
go on with the budget hearing? Mr. Mcvet here will assist you in any way
possible. Shall we continue?” Mr. Palmer said. “Yes, Sir. Shall we?” Kevin said. “We have the budget proposal here signed by Mr.
Singh and endorsed by Mr. Mcvet. I would presume you were the one who prepared
and accomplished this proposal?” asked Mr. Almeda. “May I study the document first?” Kevin took the
copy from Mr. Almeda. He then realized this was the altered and corrupted
version from the one he prepared originally. “No, Sir, I’m sorry but I did not
in any way have anything to do with this document, including the drafting,
preparation, and the accomplishment of the said document.” “How and why is this?” Mr. Almeda said. “An easy one, Sir. The HOW was accomplished by both
Mr. Singh and Mr. Fatou. The WHY was this!” Kevin stood up and began
distributing the blue folder containing the original review and conclusion
arrived at by Mr. Fatou and the science department. “I would like to direct
your attention to page forty-four which states that the global flooding could
likely very much occur in 2015. Therefore, the budget approved is commensurate
to the further study and observation of this environmental occurrence. Now if
you would check the new budget proposal, the year stated is 2030 -- a
fifteen billion dollar excess from the original proposal. Unfortunately, they
never told me the reason for the bloated budget, but they spoke to me and tried
to convince me to follow this altered proposal. So now, my dear Colleagues,
here is the proof that there is a conspiracy going on. How deep and how high?
No one knows. Mr. Presiding Officer, I would like to call for a motion to
sustain the original proposal and disregard the revised one.” “Is there any objection?” asked Mr. Palmer. “There
being none, let the motion be declared that the budget from the original
proposal is hereby approved.” Mr. Almeda inquired, “Now let me get the facts
straight. Mr. Mcvet, here you endorsed an official document with your
signature. Did you not in any way question with even the slightest doubt on the
veracity of this document? I want to understand the process of how you give
your endorsement.” “The process of acquiring my approval or endorsement,”
Mr. Mcvet said. “Is as usual as in our standard operating procedure. Please
note that Mr. Singh and Mr. Fatou are both working directly under my
supervision. So the process is, if there is any document subject for my
approval or endorsement, they leave them on my table for my perusal before
signing them. Afterwards, I call whomever I need to ask for some clarifying
questions.” “So you’re now saying,” Mr. Almeda pushed on. “That this
went through the same process as all the official documents you already
signed?” “That is correct, Sir.” Mcvet answered. “Okay, anyone else to ask some more questions?” Mr.
Almeda asked the committee. “Mr. Presiding Officer?” “There being none, I hereby move the hearing is
adjourned until further notice.” Mr. Palmer banged his gavel on the table. “I second the motion.” Mr. Almeda said. “Kevin, I need to speak with you together with Mr.
Mcvet. Please remain seated.” Mr. Palmer said. As the people in the conference room began to leave,
Mr. Palmer faced both Kevin and Mcvet. “Gentlemen, now both of you are going to work more
closely together. Would there be any problems personally or professionally that
would be a hinder to accomplish this? I need you to settle them
right away so your work would not be affected." Mr. Palmer said. “No, Sir, I
do not have any problems with Kevin. I think it would even be a pleasure to
work with him. I heard he’s a good and hard-working person.” “I’m okay, Sir.” is all Kevin said. “Well in this case, I wish you all the best,
Gentlemen. Well Kevin, congratulations! You are now the new Chief of EWB.
You can still use your current office while we clear out Mr. Singh’s stuff and
have his office ready for you. Again, congratulations and wish you all the
best!” Mr. Palmer said, standing up as he shook the hands of Kevin and Mr.
Mcvet. © 2013 Klyflyhigh |
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Added on May 12, 2013 Last Updated on May 12, 2013 Author
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