SOMEONE WILL HAVE to pay for Hardwood.

That was the word from Prime Minister David Thompson yesterday, as he made it clear that anyone found to be part of any infelicities surrounding the controversial low-income home builders, will be brought to feel the full weight of the law.

This would happen whether the perpetrators were in "high office, low office or no office", Thompson told the House of Assembly yesterday.

He made the revelation while seeking a $5 million supplementary through a grant, for the Enterprise Growth Fund, the entity from which a large chunk of financing for Hardwood Housing Incorporated was derived in 2007.

Thompson said the fund needed more money to properly finance businesses to which it remained committed, notwithstanding the fact it remained $897 250 in deficit.

"I'm very disturbed with what I have seen regarding Hardwood and how its funds were handled, and so are the people of Barbados," Thompson said.

The Prime Minister then charged that people involved with the company had fled, equipment was no longer available, and a number of employees were expected to leave.

"What is left suggests that the taxpayers of this country will have to foot a huge bill," Thompson added.

He insisted a forensic audit of Hardwood would be done as a matter of urgency.

"Some measure of responsibility must be found. Anyone found guilty of any infelicities will be brought to justice," Thompson promised.

If additional information showed the principals and operators of Hardwood infringed on the principles of proper business practices in Barbados, then "the fullest extent of the law will be brought to bear",
the Prime Minister added.

"We will follow up any allegations with proper information and evidence," Thompson declared, whilst noting that over $2 million had been thrown away by Hardwood. "We plan to stop the squandermania, and restore order."

The Prime Minister added that his new administration's first and biggest priority was to clean up the country's finances by the end of the upcoming fiscal year, by reducing wastage and unecessary expenditure. (BA)