We know of the dirty old men. Now it's that dirty old lady who is said to be jealous of the successful one and spreading propaganda on the cocktail circuit. But some are saying if she could read she'd see the link between the fraudulent one and the money paid out.

Honesty is still the best policy

Congrats to the Sandals team whose image has soared in powerful circles and is now being used as an example of best practice in the corporate world.

The payout was inevitable after the fraudulent one struck, but the high level of transparency and the extraordinary voluntary co-operation rendered the punishment far less than it could have been. Some of the big international media such as the New York Times, ABC, Associated Press, Miami Herald and several others treated the story with respect, noting that an ex-executive made unauthorised transactions which put the company in trouble.

And speaking of honesty...

The Sandals case is being used as a warning to corporate entities to put compliance measures in place to prevent rogue officers from committing fraud and landing their companies in hot water. In times past the officer would be singled out for punishment, but now the entire company is being held accountable. A word to the wise.

Why did the talk show host leave?

Word on the street is that the hard-hitting talk show host severed relationship with the radio station, but the listeners are yet to be told what is afoot. Stay tuned.

Is Scotiabank listening?

The Visa debit/credit card is creating difficulties. Consumers are complaining that they are forced to leave goods at cashiers because they are being told the card must only be run as a credit card. Trouble starts when the card has two accounts and the credit is attached to one account, usually the chequing, and that account has less money than the payment required. Even if the other account — savings — has enough money, the customer is turned away. Some companies are telling their customers that BNS has advised them not to use the debit facility. Could this be true?

Question of the week

Has the fence been now completely mended between PM Simpson Miller and Finance Minister Phillips?

Send your best suss to pepperpot@jamaicaobserver.com

Portia Simpson Miller and Dr Peter Phillips during the campaign for the December 2011 General Elections.