“There is greater accountability in regional spending”- Min. Harmon

─ Regular ministerial plenaries hosted with REOs

─ More interaction with Central Government

DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon says there is greater transparency and accountability in regional spending as a result of a higher level of interaction between the Regional Executive Officers (REO) and the Ministry of Communities.

Speaking recently, Minister Harmon stated that the hosting of regular ministerial plenaries has also contributed to the frequent interaction between the regional executives and Central Government.

“This is to ensure that the government system and processes of accounting, that they are recognised and followed,” he said, while noting that there may be cases of variations in figures but “that I can say is more an aberration rather than the rule.”

Generally, Minister Harmon said the government accounting system is followed by REOs and in cases where they have “stepped out” the Public Accounts Committee has identified and taken steps against the defaulters.

In March, the State Minister announced that government is providing additional training for REOs to ensure these authorities manage their regional resources in accordance with the Public Procurement Act.

Since assuming office this administration has hosted numerous training sessions with REOs at the level of the Ministry of the Presidency and Ministries of Finance and Communities.

Stacy Carmichael

Image: Keno George