President Donald Ramotar encouraged regional executive officers to adhere to the procurement and financial regulations in the interest of accountability, at a meeting convened at the Office of the President on Thursday.
In an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) Minister of Local Government Ganga Persaud, who attended the meeting, said that the president had sought answers from regional officials and the permanent secretary in the ministry about some aspects of the Auditor General’s 2011 Report that were contentious.
Persaud said the president urged the officers to strive to maintain efficiency and effectiveness in the interest of accountability and transparency in the conduct of government business. He said some REOs had given explanations that were not reflected in the Auditor General’s report relating to overpayment and instances of unsatisfactory work, but had pledged to be vigilant and thorough in the discharge of their duties.
Record keeping was also singled out as an issue that needs attention “given that its absence resulted in some of the works that were completed, reflected as overpayment.” Persaud said the meeting was timely as the final quarter of the year would be an opportune time to assess the progress of work programmes.
