Greater transparency, accountability for Guyana!

─ As Guyana and Canadian Audit Offices sign MOU

DPI, Guyana, Monday, June 24, 2019

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Audit Office of Guyana and the Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation (CAAF) to ensure improved transparency in the management of public resources.

The MOU, which was inked on June 23, signals the CAAF’s continued commitment to the development of the Audit Office of Guyana.

The two agencies share a mutual goal; to contribute to the improvement of transparency, effectiveness and accountability across the board as well as governance and management of public resources.

This goal is being realised through the effective partnership of the two organisations. This alliance allows several local officers to attend training in Canada to contribute to CAAF through integration. While there, they undergo active training programmes in the field to provide greater exposure and experience.

Auditor General of Guyana, Deodat Sharma explained: “CAAF has provided unwavering capacity building support through training and other resources which has buttressed the performance audit practice of the Audit Office.”

Delivering remarks at the signing of the MOU, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee remarked on the growing importance of the Audit Office of Guyana given the fact that Guyana is on the cusp of a “major oil and gas boom starting next year… The timing of this programme is critical as it will directly support this transformation.”

Numerous officers have been trained in performance auditing. One such training exercise in evidence gathering and analysis was held in early June.

The AG noted that the overseas training has provided the local staff with “invaluable knowledge and skills which have enabled the Audit office to produce reports that make an impact and add value to its stakeholders”.

The partnership between the two agencies has spanned over two decades.

Images: Keno George