WRITTEN EVIDENCE RECEIVED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY
COMMISSIONER FOR STANDARDS
14. Statement of Mrs Bambi Duvall
I spoke in only a general way with Joe Lauria, who
misrepresented himself to me as being a private traveller and
not a reporter I know now he was not interested in the trips I
took the time to explain to him.
Nevertheless, I was only talking in general because
that is my traditional role. Alexandra Messervy creates the trips
on an individual basis to meet the demands of each client or group
I explained, in general terms, that we have the opportunity to
go to estates through the relationships Alexandra has established.
I explained that people come over for hunting trips, art enjoyment,
wine and food programs. In regard to the quote "You know
how the Brits are" was actually me explaining that the Brits
are generally more polished, especially on these wonderful estates,
but that things are more formal in England than in America. When
asked if Mr Sayeed accepted money, I said no. I was misquoted
regarding the $1,500 for a Parliament tour, as I explained it
was for an entire package that included etiquette training, as
well as meals, transfers, hotels, etc.
When he said something about time and schedule, I
repeatedly said he should talk with Alexandra Messervy. When asked
about price, I replied they can be costly trips because it all
depends on how much is involved, and what the schedule is, but
that we can also cut activities and items to reduce the cost.
I explained that all this is part of the way in which we customize
trips for groups of 10 or a few more. I repeatedly said that we
can't put trips together until we know what days people are travelling
and what experiences are available that day, which is why I kept
repeating that he should talk with Alexandra. I was not embarrassed
when I said it was $1,500 because I know that it is an experience
for good value in that it includes transfers, accommodations,
most meals and special tutorials/experiences
He simply selected which portions of my statements
to use as long as they fit into how he wanted to take the article.
I refused to give out private cell numbers because that is unethical
and improper to do so without the person's permission. This was
a rambling conversation but at no time did I ever say that Jonathan
Sayeed was paid for tours of Parliament. I repeatedly said that
my role is simply to handle arrangements as laid out by Alexandra
When I realized, on reflection, that I had been led
to say things which were quite simply wrong and that The English
Manner does not arrange access to Parliament in the way that he
asked, and that no fee is payable, I telephoned Genie Ford and
alerted Alexandra who confirmed that no trips to Parliament were
possible and that no payment could be made to her, to Jonathan
Sayeed or to The English Manner for such a suggestion. I telephoned
Joe Lauria and left a message to say that I could not reach Alexandra
and that we could not accede to his request as we do not offer
tours of Parliament for payment by Jonathan Sayeed or anyone else.
31 August 2004
Bambi Duvall
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