Deep and exhaustive forensic audit needed at City Hall

Mar 07, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
If the recent reports in the press regarding the Town Clerk finally inviting the Audit Office of Guyana into City Hall to examine their books are indeed accurate, then one needs to take this purported invitation with a pinch of salt. Because if the Town Clerk is truly serious about a thorough financial review, an independent assessment of their systems and procedures and a comprehensive inspection of their books and stocks, then the very first thing that he should do to remove any misgiving about undue administrative interference, would be to proceed on his many months of vacation leave that he has accumulated over the years.
If earnest in his pronouncement of having an audit, then he would have hired a private audit firm(s) as the government has been doing, as it is unreasonable to expect the Audit Office of Guyana which is burdened with the responsibility of inspecting all state agencies and national institutions to carry out the magnitude of work that is needed at City Hall.
It is important to note that for decades the books of the Council have not been audited, and worse over this period there were numerous scams, frauds and other acts of financial malfeasance reported but hardly ever investigated. Therefore what will be required at City Hall will not be a mere cursory examination of their financial records but rather a deep and exhaustive forensic audit.
And finally, the auditors must not be constrained in any way or guided in their examination, but must be allowed to speak freely with staff, visit the various municipal locations, and allow for information to be given by staff members, contractors, suppliers and the public at large which will be treated with the strictest confidentiality allowing persons to engage in whistle blowing without fear of recrimination.
Deodarie Putulal

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News