INTERNAL Auditors were on Thursday sensitised to the latest developments in the practice of internal auditing, as they participated in the Institute of Internal Auditors(IIA) Guyana Chapter seminar and workshop at the Regency Suites, Hadfield Street,Georgetown.Speaking during the opening ceremony of the programme, President of the IIA Guyana Chapter, Jaigopaul Ram, said that ever since their resuscitation in 2009 they have hosted three such seminars per year, which have yielded very good dividends thus far.According to Ram, they have been continuously conducting programmes such as these, so that persons could be sensitised on updated developments in the practice of internal auditing.

He told participants that is time that they realise the profession of internal auditing in Guyana as an institution; therefore, they are advising and inviting persons to become members of the association as soon as possible.
“From the last financial year we have moved from 35 to 36 members, which is a huge leap towards getting this profession out there, as we continue to sensitise all the organisations and promote good governance,” said the IIA Guyana Chapter’s President.
Currently, he noted that they have received 18 more additional persons who want to join the institute and they are working to have them on stream very soon.
GOLD STATUS
Ram emphasised that over the last five years they we were able to attain gold status, which is the second highest in the tranche of performance excellence, while the highest is platinum which requires the chapter to get 10 out of 11 years of performance, and they have promised to work over the next five years to achieve this goal.
“The Guyana Chapter is one of the fastest growing in the Caribbean, therefore, we will continue to make a significant contribution to the growth and development of the internal auditing profession,” he disclosed.
Meanwhile, he stated that this seminar will be the final one for the year, because of the approaching General and Regional Elections., while also advising the participants that they are not in elections mode, but they want to meet their mandate and move the profession further.
Also speaking at the programme, member of the IIA chapter and President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Ramesh Dookhoo, underscored the fact that the IIA Guyana Chapter has come a long way.
He noted that we have to adapt to the changing business environment, and a step in doing so is developing internal auditors, therefore, this initiative by the IIA Guyana Chapter is one of good nature.
Dookhoo emphasised the responsibilities of the different types of auditors and how the IIA contributes to the development of internal Auditors.
Meanwhile in brief remarks, facilitator for the first workshop and former head of the IIA Guyana Chapter, John Seeram, said that the Guyana Chapter of the IIA is here to stay.
“It has developed after 15 years of existence and will continue to serve the needs of this country, and this is all through the teamwork with our colleagues,” he said. In concluding, he shared the IIA’s Motto: “Progress Through sharing,” with participants.