Dear Editor,
It is a matter of more than passing interest that there has been little or no public commentary by vital stakeholders on the observations made recently in Sunday Stabroek’s ‘Business Pages’ regarding the adequacy or otherwise of the performance of the Audit Office as reflected in the most recent Auditor General’s report.
It is particularly disheartening that the business community as represented by the established private sector organisations, have distanced themselves from the carefully researched commentary by Ram and McRae, Chartered Accountants.
One contrasts this loud silence with those empathetic blandishments issued by the same parties conveniently in support of selected initiatives or pronouncements by the administration, for example on the current EPA issue, the latter albeit justified.
Can it however be legitimately argued that the analysis published over the last three weeks does not justify a more cohesive declamation of the identified under-productivity of the Audit Office, and the superficiality exhibited in parts of the report.
It would seem that the major stakeholders who are substantial taxpayers should have a view on how effectively their tax contributions are being utilised. Unfortunately, over time these institutions have displayed a selectivity in making public comments that do not necessarily portray self-confidence. Indeed, they seem to be unaware that their overweening caution reflects a substantial uncertainty about any cohesive advocacy policy. To persons who look up to these institutions as bastions of civil society, it is somewhat disconcerting to perceive them as disaggregated groups of individuals who put self-interest first as a form of security, however fragile. They project an image of sensitivity that can hardly be a model for less qualified and organised citizens who consequently feel too vulnerable to stand up and be counted.
These institutions should at least be concerned about the efficacy of the Public Accounts Committee, which is supposed to actively supervise the work of the Audit Office. They should investigate the politicisation of this committee and evaluate the effectiveness of its role and operations.
There are too many reported gaps in the management of our fiscal and financial systems and procedures for such exemplars as the Private Sector Commission, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association, the Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Institute of Chartered Accountants, not to care.
Yours faithfully,
Eliah Bijay
