Texas billionaire and cricket promoter, Sir Allen Stanford has joined the growing list of so-called investment gurus to be accused of less-than-honourable dealings. He has been charged with investment fraud, but there is a worrying trend of the gullible and the anxious to get rich quick putting their life savings, and that of others, into the high-interest bearing accounts that these 'investors' dream up.

It seems like making money the good, old-fashioned way (working or inheriting) is no longer fashionable. And I don't think we have heard the last of these 'schemes' because, as times get tougher, people are going to become more desperate.

If only we could harness all that creativity into some productive businesses that could employ those out of work and possibly cut down crime. But I may as well throw in a wish for a country that encouraged our local manufacturing sector instead of one that has the kind of environment in which it is necessary to pay out millions for overpriced electricity and for security guards coming out of our whazoo!

If only we had government offices at one could actually get coherent service after three o'clock on a Friday.

If only we could rid ourselves of the notion that we have a divine right to red tape!

If only we had public-sector workers who ate their damn breakfast at home rather that show up at the company canteen at 8:30 and spend the first hour of the company's time eating. These are the same people who take more than 60 minutes for lunch and start packing up to leave a half-hour before the end of the work day.

If only we could get rid of the system where workers did not take company time to go and change their pay cheques and do personal business on pay day. That takes the cake! And these are the same underproductive and dishonest people who are now squealing at the thought of lay-offs. Who needs them?

There is dishonesty everywhere; from those who rob their employers of 30 to 60 minutes every day, to those who relieve the gullible of millions under the guise of investment banking. Trouble is, like our shadow, they will always be with us.

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