Budapest or Bucharest? The plot thickens...

Wednesday 05 August 2015

Politicians and civil servants are less likely to land in Niger instead of Nigeria, Colombo instead of Colombia or Budapest instead of Bucharest after the States tightened up its rules on travel.

They have set out new policies after last month’s embarrassing blunder, when "Sports Minister" Steve Pallett arrived in the Hungarian capital Budapest when he should have been in the Romanian capital Bucharest.

The geographical cock-up made headlines from Ascension to Asuncion and the St Brelade Constable apologised for wasting £1,000 of taxpayers’ money in his ill-fated attempt to attend the Dance World Cup.

It was, he said, an “honest mistake” by a civil servant which he didn’t realise until he touched down at Ferenc Liszt International Airport. 500 miles to the south-east, the Constable - who serves as Economic Development Minister with responsibility for sport - was due to make a speech and accept the Dance World Cup flag on behalf of the Island, which is hosting the next event at Fort Regent next year.

But now the States have disclosed that the request that went to whoever books travel for ministers had been for the wrong city, begging the question of exactly who got it wrong.

Explaining what happened in a statement in response to a Freedom of Information request, the States said: “While a written invitation and other correspondence clearly stated the correct destination of Bucharest, Romania, a request was made to arrange flights to Budapest. The person who booked the flights did not see a copy of the invitation to the event or any prior correspondence.

“From this point on, all travel will be booked following receipt of a written instruction that is accompanied by a copy of the invitation. A ‘Travel Authorisation Form’ is completed for each travel arrangement. This form details reasons for travel, flight details and requires approval in line with the department’s scheme of delegation. All correspondence and documentation relating to the travel arrangements will be held with this form with immediate effect.”