Dear Editor,
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), a crucial parliamentary body entrusted with the vital task of scrutinizing government financial matters, now finds itself in dire straits, imperilling its capacity to function as a robust oversight mechanism. Shockingly, it appears that the government has once again chosen to display a flagrant disregard for the PAC, even after a two-month parliamentary recess. Yesterday was scheduled to be the second PAC meeting since the recess, intended to scrutinize the audited accounts of the Ministry of Education, Region 5, and Region 10 for the year ending December 31st, 2019. However, this meeting was abruptly canceled due to the unavailability of PPP/C members. This disheartening trend began when the PPP/C altered the standing order, mandating the presence of two government members for a quorum, leading to the cancellation of a staggering 21 meetings. These consistent government absences are not only a cause for alarm but also pose an existential threat to the very essence of the PAC and its fundamental duty of oversight.
The PAC currently grapples with an alarming backlog, particularly in its examination of financial records for the year 2019, rendering it years behind in its essential work. The persistence of government members’ absence from these meetings exacerbates this backlog, preventing the committee from carrying out its crucial responsibilities towards the public.
This delay and the chronic absence of government representatives from PAC meetings are a grave disservice to the people of Guyana and a clear and present danger to the nation’s financial and democratic systems. The PAC stands as a bastion of transparency, accountability and responsible allocation of public funds. Without effective oversight, we risk witnessing further fiscal mismanagement, reckless squandering of public resources, and a crisis of trust in the government’s financial stewardship.
Moreover, the failure to convene PAC meetings as scheduled undermines the bedrock principles of democratic governance and the rule of law. A fully functioning PAC is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy, providing a vital counterbalance to unchecked government actions.
We emphatically call upon the government to prioritize the prompt resumption of regular PAC meetings. It is paramount that we address the backlog and ensure that the PAC can diligently execute its pivotal oversight duties. In the spirit of openness and accountability, we urge the government to engage in a constructive dialogue with the PAC to resolve this issue and safeguard the interests of the Guyanese people.
The PAC, serving as the guardian of public finances, must be empowered to fulfill its pivotal role.
Yours faithfully,
Hon. Jermaine Figueira, M.P.
Chairman – PAC
Hon. David Patterson, M.P.
Hon. Juretha Fernandes, M.P.
