Jermaine Figueira
www.stabroeknews.com · 2025-07-08Figueira regrets that PPP/C years not scrutinized by PAC - Stabroek News -but says there were significant accomplishments With his tenure as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) at an end, former APNU+AFC MP Jermaine Figueira expressed regret to Stabroek News that the parliamentary body was unable to scrutinize the audit reports the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration. Term in office. “Most unfortunate we didn’t get there. We didn’t get to interrogate for 2020 to present,” Figueira stated in an interview with Stabroek News. Review of the public accounts by the PAC had been severely backlogged and its last session it had been discussing the 2019 report of the Office of the Auditor General. Figueira assumed the PAC chairmanship on July 2, 2021, following the contentious removal of his predecessor, David Patterson, via a no-confidence motion. His election, at a meeting convened by Speaker Manzoor Nadir, saw him nominated by opposition colleague Ganesh Mahipaul and seconded by Patterson, proceeding without objection. At the time of his appointment, Figueira had affirmed the opposition’s commitment to a rigorous agenda. Despite the political headwinds, Figueira points to several key accomplishments during his leadership. “One of the most significant accomplishments during my tenure was restoring momentum and credibility to the Public Accounts Committee after a period of stagnation,” he asserted. This involved clearing a backlog of audit reports and re-establishing a ... particular ministry. He views these cases as demonstrating the PAC’s potential to deter mismanagement, even though ... specific representation requirements for both government and opposition. Figueira and other opposition members viewed this as a deliberate strategy to impede the PAC’s work, particularly in scrutinizing audits from the current administration’s period in office. ... opposition as a means to obstruct the committee’s progress on current audit reports. In his assessment of the PAC’s effectiveness, Figueira stated that while notable strides have been made in holding ... Addressing the persistent challenge of follow-through on audit recommendations, Figueira said that the PAC emphasized ... timelines and imposes more severe penalties for non-compliance. Systemic issues, such as a lack of internal audit capacity within some ministries, regions, municipalities, and NDCs, ... transparency and performance-based budgeting. Looking back, Figueira expressed a wish that he had pushed “earlier and more assertively for legislative reforms to give the PAC greater teeth,” citing the failure of the requisite motion to reach the House for debate. Despite doing well within the existing mandate, he acknowledged that structural limitations hindered full accountability for ... the committee’s work. To strengthen the PAC and improve financial oversight, Figueira offered three key recommendations: first, empower the ... external pressure for reform and accountability. On a personal note, Figueira confirmed his continued commitment to public service, transparency, and equity, whether through civil society engagement, legislative advocacy, or political participation. Regarding his recent resignation from the PNCR, he described it as a decision “grounded in principle and the evolving realities of political leadership.” He is currently in a period of reflection and consultation, stating that any future political alignment ... transformation that will be of benefit to all Guyanese and not for partisan expediency.” While he could not disclose his immediate next step, Figueira expressed a desire to “deepen my engagement with citizens, civil society, and reform-oriented institutions.” He believes there is a significant appetite for “the ... driven interventions that empower all the citizens and communities of our country,” and intends to dedicate himself to ... ### West Dem port begins operating 7
www.stabroeknews.com · 2025-09-26Auditor General submits report on 2024 public accounts - Stabroek News Auditor General Deodat Sharma yesterday presented his 2024 report on the public accounts to Speaker of the 12th Parliament Manzoor Nadir. The ceremony, held at the Public Buildings, followed the constitutional requirement under Article 223 of the Constitution which mandates the Auditor General to submit the annual audit report to the Speaker for it to be laid before the National Assembly. The event featured brief remarks by Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs, Sharma, and Nadir, along with a symbolic handing over of the report. Sharma, during his address highlighted that the 2024 report marked his 21st submission since assuming office and the 14th consecutive time he has met the statutory September 30 deadline. This year’s report, dated September 25, continues what he described as the audit office’s mission of timely and transparent reporting to the legislature and the public. He further noted that, in addition to the annual audit, 18 performance audit reports were now completed, including a review of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority’s asset management system for the period January 2021 to June 2024. He stressed that performance audits remain vital in improving accountability and efficiency across government bodies. The Auditor General further reported that his office had produced audits for 62 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, 11 municipalities, and 80 statutory bodies. He pointed to continued efforts to build technical capacity within the Audit Office through international partnerships, ... He also referenced Guyana’s increased participation in regional and international forums on public auditing, including ... He expressed appreciation to his staff, the Finance Secretary, Accountant General, and other government agencies for ... Meanwhile, Nadir, in accepting the report, commended the Auditor General and his staff for their consistency and ... He stressed that timely submissions and the increasing range of performance audits were significant achievements, especially as government agencies confront new challenges in areas such as oil and gas and cyber security. Nadir also reflected on Guyana’s progress in public auditing over the decades, noting that the Audit Office’s ability to keep pace with emerging sectors placed it among the leaders within CARICOM and the wider Commonwealth. He credited Sharma’s leadership in steering the Audit Office toward greater efficiency and relevance. The report is expected to be laid in the National Assembly when the 13th parliament is convened after which it will become a public document. ... ### US$100m Tristar shore base targets local workforce as key to expansion 10 h ago ### Gov’t mum on claim by Ram that 2nd force majeure granted to Exxon under 2016 PSA 10 h ago ... ### Man at centre of cybercrime controversy here remanded in T&T on rape, other charges 10 h ago