Public Accounts Committee summons City Treasurer

DPI, Guyana, Monday, February 19, 2018

The Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly has summoned the Treasurer of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to its meeting at Parliament Chambers to answer questions relating to the Council’s failure to present information requested and promised.

Up for examination of recommendations made and the corrective measures taken since receiving the Auditor General’s report, were the Ministry of Communities and the Regional Administration of Region Two, Pomeroon-Supenaam.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communities, Emill McGarrell.

Of particular concern to the members of the Public Accounts Committee was the apparent continued disregard for the Auditor General’s recommendations to the M&CC. The Council, according to the report has consistently failed to submit documentation required to complete audits dating back to 2005.

With specific reference to the failure of the Council’s Treasurer to provide information requested regarding the “spending” in 2016, Committee Chairman Irfaan Ali said, “ I note the excuse given for the Treasurer of the Mayor and City Council, but you will recall in relation to paragraph, copies of the minutes of the council’s meeting with respect with the financial statement, are you in possession of that document?”

Permanent Secretary of the Communities Ministry, Emil McGarrell, in response, said that he was not in possession of the requested information, and referred to an excuse of absence submitted by the Treasurer; the reason given was a doctor’s appointment.

Responding to further questions concerning steps taken by the Permanent Secretary to secure the information, McGarrell said “following the last appearance, the ministry through its internal auditors made several attempts to meet with the treasurer in order to have this prepared and submitted. They were written to and even up to our preparation for today’s meeting, it was indicated that this information has to be provided and I do not have that with me this morning to submit.”

This response prompted Committee Member, Juan Edghill to enquire who acts in the absence of the treasurer is absent. He then requested that the Treasurer be summoned to provide the requested information.

On arrival, the Deputy Treasurer John Douglas was unable to provide the information requested and assured that efforts will be made to have same available at the committee’s next meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, 20 February 2018.

 

By: Kidackie Amsterdam

 

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