Accountability Watch

With the change in administration following the May 11, 2015 national and regional elections, several Perma-nent Secretaries and Regional Executive Officers (REOs) have either been replaced or have resigned because they were candidates for the opposition political party.

Last week, the Institute of Internal Auditors Local Chapter held a two-day workshop/seminar under the theme, “Transparent Governance (Accountability for Public Funds; Internal Audit Impact in Financial Integrity).

As the announcement came that the Government has agreed to introduce a river taxi service across the Berbice River, I could not help but reminisce about the time when the Transport and Harbours Department was operating a ferry service from Rosignol to New Amsterdam.

(Part II) Last Monday, the National Assembly resolved itself into the Committee of Supply to consider the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for 2015.

Following the Minister of Finance’s presentation of the 2015 Budget on 10 August 2015, the National Assembly began a week-long general debate on the budget speech, as provided for by Section 71 of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly.

Last Monday, the Minister of Finance presented the 2015 Budget to the National Assembly in keeping with the requirements of Article 219 (3) of the Constitution.

Last week, we discussed the Government’s decision to pay over all proceeds from the Lotto funds to the Consolidated Fund.

According to news reports, the Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, announced that the proceeds of the “Lotto Fund” will be paid directly into the Consolidated Fund and that the Minister of Finance would issue the relevant order soon.

Last week article’s generated quite a discussion in the media and elsewhere.

Today marks the 70th day since Guyana held its 2015 national and regional elections.

Today’s article focuses on three events that made the news during last week.

Last Friday, there was a launching of my book entitled “Public Accountability at the Crossroads: the Guyana Experience” under the auspices of the Transparency Institute Guyana Inc.

Last Friday, the National Assembly approved of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2015 which had been the subject of bitter disagreement since 2012 between the previous Administration and the then political Opposition.

The new Administration has announced that it is reviewing the performance and efficiency of publicly owned entities, statutory bodies, projects and activities financed by or through public funds.

Last Wednesday saw the opening of the eleventh Parliament of Guyana with the much-welcome fanfare, pomp and ceremony, following the 11 May 2015 national and regional elections.

Reports emanating from the Office of the Presidency indicated that several persons have had their contracts terminated for blogging and fictitious letter-writing in the print media on behalf of the then ruling party.

Last week, we carried our first article since the new Administration took up office following the 11 May 2015 national and regional elections.

Monday, 11 May 2015, was a historic day for Guyana, as citizens across the length and breadth of Guyana came out in their numbers to cast their votes for the political parties of their choice.

This column joins the several individuals and organisations, including the  diplomatic community, in congratulating the APNU-AFC coalition on winning the 2015 general and regional elections.

Today is Election Day. It is the sincere hope of this column that peace will prevail in an atmosphere free of fear or intimidation, as citizens proceed to cast their votes for the political parties of their choice.