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“Where are we going? – Public Health Minister questions direction of PAC
Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence
Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence has voiced concerns about the direction of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) when seeking to find solutions to discrepancies flagged by the Auditor General’s report.
Lawrence, who sits on the bipartisan PAC, chaired by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’s Irfaan Ali, raised her concerns during the discussion on the hiring of workers by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Five (Mahaica – Berbice).
“Where are we going? Are we at Public Accounts Committee dealing with the
PPP MP, Juan Edghill
comments of the Auditor General or are we here having a debate that the National Assembly should be having?” Lawrence asked.
During the committee meeting of Monday, PPP Member Juan Edghill suggested that the estimates approved by the National Assembly for the region’s staff in 2016 may be inaccurate, since it did not indicate the staff strength of the region at the time.
The budget estimates have historically reflected filled positions and not necessarily vacancies to be filled during the year. Regional administrations have been adding staff during the year which is reflected in a higher wage bill by the end of the financial year.
“Based on this present practice would it be true if I say that at the time of the passing of the Appropriations Act, the true wage bill is not reflected, because that is what we’re telling the nation here today. We passed a wage bill for this nation that is not a true reflection,” Edghill stated.
Lawrence, a former PAC Chair, interjected.
“Mr. Chair, on a point of order. If the member feels that way then there is procedure for him to either take a question to the National Assembly or he can carry the matter so it can be debated within the National Assembly. Where are we going with Public Accounts Committee?” Lawrence questioned.
PPP MP, Nigel Dharamlall stated that the members want to ensure that the monies appropriated are well spent.
“It’s not just about sweeping these things under the carpet,” Dharamlall outlined.
Lawrence reminded Dharamlall that she had chaired PAC previously.
“I dare you to sit at this Public Accounts Committee and cast aspersions at me. I am saying whatever we are doing here, let us do it based on facts. We are hearing about authorized strength being proffered here. I would like to know where are the numbers that show the authorized strength. These are only filled position,” Lawrence stated.
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