Local Democratic Organs need improved financial management
GUYANA - Talks are currently underway between the Ministry of Communities and the Auditor General (AG), to formulate strategies that will better improve the financial management of Local Democratic Organs (LDOs) within the state. This was according to the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry, Emil McGarrel yesterday – who amongst others – attended the Parliament of Guyana’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting at the Public Buildings Georgetown, yesterday morning. Attending the meeting also, were other Ministry representatives and officials of the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC).
The group appeared before the PAC based on information revealed in the Auditor General’s 2015 report, relating to the Ministry of Communities, which highlighted several issues with regards to outstanding Financial Statements of municipalities. It is required by law that all accounts of Municipal and District Councils be made up yearly at the end of the financial year. These accounts are then required to be forwarded to the Auditor General to be audited. The Treasurer of these councils, it was revealed, has the sole responsibility for submitting said Statements. However, these requirements have for years been shunned by several Councils. This has led to a great deal of scrutiny, especially as it relates to how monies paid to these organs are spent. Previous reports have indicated that the M&CC for instance, has not submitted Financial Statement for 20062013 and 2015. Last month, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, told media operatives that the Government’s principal task is to repair and rehabilitate the “broken Local Government System that we have inherited.” While the Ministry has started this task, the Minister said that it is a herculean task which would require input from all stakeholders.
(Kaieteurnews.com)