The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recently revealed that $1.7 million worth of vouchers, previously unaccounted for under the APNU+AFC administration, have resurfaced and were submitted to the Auditor General’s office after being flagged in the 2019 Auditor General’s report.
This missing documentation involves 38 cheques prepared by the Region Nine Regional Administration. The PAC’s review of the 2019 report revealed that of the 405 cheques, totaling approximately $345 million, 38 had no accompanying payment vouchers, raising concerns about accountability and compliance with the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act.
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill pressed Regional Executive Officer Carl Singh for details on the missing documents. Singh disclosed that at the time of the original audit, the supporting documents were not with the sub-treasury. He further explained that these vouchers were unexpectedly found at the sub-treasury about three months ago.
Accountant General Jennifer Chapman, also taken aback by the late submission, requested the vouchers be forwarded to her office for a thorough investigation. “I am just as confused as every other member of the PAC,” Chapman stated, underscoring the need for an explanation regarding the years-long absence of these crucial financial records.
The resurfacing of these vouchers comes as part of ongoing efforts by the PAC to address and clarify outstanding financial irregularities from previous years, with officials committed to ensuring stricter oversight and transparency in fiscal management.
