Chapter Nine: The Budget Hearing

Chapter Nine: The Budget Hearing

A 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