Latest update February 6th, 2025 7:27 AM
Accounting officers display gross disrespect for key pieces of legislation – PAC
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma
Across budget agencies, accounting officers continue to display gross disrespect for key pieces of legislation and regulations. This was noted by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in its latest report. That document sums up the findings of the PAC after it would have examined the Auditor General’s report for previous years, going as far back as 2012.
The PAC, which is headed by Opposition Parliamentarian Irfaan Ali, noted that the crucial pieces of legislation and regulations which are not adhered to include the Public Procurement Act 2003, the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, and the Stores Regulations 1993.
Expounding on the aforementioned, the PAC said that there continues to be total disregard for the correct application of the Procurement Act and adherence to the Tender Board Regulations by the Heads of Budget agencies of regional administrations.
With regard to non-adherence to Stores Regulations, the Committee noted that nine agencies were in breach due to the actions of their accounting officers. These agencies include Office of the President, Ministry of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Guyana Elections Commission and Regions One , Three and Nine.
The PAC also expressed alarm over the continued disregard for the regulations governing the clearing of payment vouchers and the maintenance of log books. It said that there remain uncleared payment vouchers and cheque orders for the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Eight, Nine and 10.
PAC Chairman, Irfaan Ali
In the area of log books, the Committee noted in its report that the Supreme Court of Judicature and Region Eight continue poor record keeping for vehicles and equipment.
As for breaches to the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, the Public Accounts Committee noted that several agencies did not refund monies to the Consolidated Fund. These agencies include Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Office of the President, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Local Government.
Overall, the Committee believes and has since recommended that there be continuous training regarding the mentioned pieces of legislation and regulations. The Committee also recommended that new accounting officers acquaint themselves with the various tools for guidance, specifically the Stores Regulations 1993, the Procurement Act 2003, the Audit Act, and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act.
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