An Audit Committee, promised by Vice-President James Michel at the end of last month during the debate on the 2003 Budget, has been set up to ensure more control and transparency in government’s financial operations.

A communiqué from the Vice-President's Office said Thursday January 16th  that the three-member committee appointed by the Vice-President this week is made up of a non-executive financial team chaired by Mr Emmanuel Green. The other members are Mr Patrick Stravens and Mrs Veronique Beharry.

According to the communiqué the role of this committee is to monitor issues raised by external and internal auditors and give advice to the accounting officers on the adequacy and assurance in the integrity, efficiency and effectiveness of the financial operating systems in the public sector.

Mr Green is familiar with the issues raised by auditors, himself having occupied the post of auditor general for seven years.

The principal secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Mr Francis Chang Leng, has described the Audit Committee as the forum to determine that recommendations made by the auditors are implemented, which will go a long way to strengthening controls in government ministries, departments and organisations.   

“As we face the technological challenges and changes of the new millennium, we have to think of innovative tactics to move us forward in terms of how we conduct government business, ensure better accountability, review risks involved and create a positive control environment in the public sector,” said PS Chang Leng.

The conduct of business by government is guided by the Financial Instructions, Accounting Manual and the Public Service Order (PSO).   

Auditing is an effective tool in ensuring financial accountability in any organisation. It assists management in its functions and helps boost public confidence in the department. Thus it is important for all public sector organisations, including parastatals, to seriously consider audit queries and take the necessary corrective action.

This committee reports directly to the Vice-President.

In ensuring that agreed recommendations from audit work are implemented, the Committee will make certain that there is a high level of accountability, disclosure and transparency in the public sector.

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