PAC meeting hears… Improper financial management affecting all ten administrative regions
At Monday’s PAC meeting are: from left, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communities, Mr Emil McGarrell, and Region One REO, Mr Leslie Wilburg
At Monday’s PAC meeting are: from left, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communities, Mr Emil McGarrell, and Region One REO, Mr Leslie Wilburg

INEFFICIENCIES in the accounting system at regional offices in all ten administrative regions are as a result of a shortfall in financial management.

This is according to Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Communities, Mr Emil McGarrell, who made the observation during his presentation to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday.

McGarrell’s position on financial management followed the discovery of discrepancies in a presentation made by the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region One (Barima-Waini), Mr Leslie Wilburg.

During the course of the meeting, it was found that the REO failed to properly account for funds that should have been recovered from contactors, who failed to complete projects they were paid for.

Equally to be blamed for this shortcoming were members of his delegation, particularly the Region’s Chief Engineer, who blundered when asked to confirm whether a letter demanding payment was ever sent to the contractors.

Acting Chairman of the Committee, Bishop Juan Edghill, however exercised leniency on that occasion, giving the regional team a chance to redeem themselves by providing proper documentation and evidence by Friday.

What the discovery did bring to light, however, was the issue of improper financial management and staffing, and the need for rigorous internal auditing.

“While we have accounting officers who are responsible for accounting and auditing, there is still need for the Region to be adequately staffed,” PS McGarrell said.

He pointed out that Region One, for instance, does not have a field auditor, so all the responsibilities are left to the accounting officer. It’s a situation, he said, that obtains in several other regions across the country. He is of the opinion that all regional offices need a full complement of staff to support the work of the administrators, particularly in relation to financial management.

Regional officials have, however, complained time and again about their inability to attract people to serve in the accounting system and serve in other administrative positions.

Those regions that have this particular problem are: Regions One, Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). But according to Bishop Edghill, there’s an easy way of addressing such problems.

“There is a method to the madness,” he said, and called on the Ministry of Public Service Management to ensure that those vacancies are filled, and that the Regions and budget agencies are adequately staffed.

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