23 cheques were handed over to police

–says Deputy Accountant General

A TOTAL of 23 cheques were handed over to the police to facilitate their investigation of an

allegation that former Public Service Minister Dr. Jennifer Westford and Personnel Manager Margaret Cummings had defrauded Government of more than $600M.

This is according to Jennifer Chapman, Deputy Accountant General of the Ministry of Finance, as she testified on Monday before Magistrate Judy Latchman as the trial of Dr. Westford and Ms. Cummings continued.

Chapman explained that the cheques she handed over to the police dated from August 26, 2011 to March 13, 2015; and contained the numbers, dates, names of payees and the amount each was paid.
She further explained that cheques dated 2011-2014 were returned to the Accountant General’s office by the Bank of Guyana, while a letter had to be sent to the bank for the 2015 cheques for police investigation purposes.

The Deputy Accountant General also pointed out that inter-departmental warrants were issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Office of the President for the release of those funds by the Ministry of Finance.

These documents are prepared with five copies and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the subject ministry.
The witness in court had given detailed explanation about non sub-accounting agencies and sub-accounting agencies, but noted that the then Public Service Ministry could only have processed small volumes of transactions.

“Transactions are examined and approved by the Accountant General’s Department Examination Division, whereby all cheques are processed by same said department and are collected,” the witness said.

According to Chapman, one of her duties as Deputy Accountant General is to assist the Accountant General with the day-to-day operations of the department which is tasked with management of the integrated and financial system.

The Deputy Accountant General explained that her department is responsible for the examination and approval of payment vouchers for the non-sub-accounting ministries and agencies.

Asked by State Prosecutor Barker whether she knew Dr. Westford, the witness replied, “Yes”. She pointed out that Dr. Westford was Minister of Public Service from 2011-2015.

Magistrate Judy Latchman has adjourned the matter until November 28, when the Deputy Accountant General will continue to give her testimony.

Andre Albert Dazzell, a Chief Accountant at the Ministry of the Presidency attached to the Department of Public Service, who had earlier testified, is scheduled to return to be cross-examined.

Dr. Westford and Ms. Cummings face 24 charges alleging that they stole more than $639M from the Government of Guyana. The charges state that between October 19, 2011 and April 28, 2015, Westford and Cummings, while being employed at the then Public Service Ministry, stole $639,420,000 belonging to the Government of Guyana, which they received by virtue of employment.