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by pltm
(PLTM) - United Kingdom-appointed representative, Governor John Duncan has been asked to exercise his powers and have the government submit the years of outstanding financial audits, in an effort for the people of the BVI to know the true financial position of the territory.
Chairman of the main opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP), Hon. Andrew Fahie said that on Monday, January 9, he wrote to the Governor requesting that he use his constitutional powers granted to him under Section 56 (7) of the Virgin Islands Constitutional Order, 2007, and request from the Minister of Finance, Premier Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith, the annual audited financial statements/reports of the government of the Virgin Islands for the years.
He asked that it spans 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, and for them to be presented to the House of Assembly forthwith.
"My people, it is important to inform that the audited reports for the years 2007 to 2010 represent audited accounts for government expenses of the previous (VIP) administration. Reportedly, these reports were prepared, but were not laid before they demitted office," Hon. Fahie said last evening, January 11.
He added, "...The audited reports for the period 2011 to 2015 represent audited accounts for the current administration. Accountability and transparency dictate that all the reports, including those of the previous administration, are placed before the House so that an accurate picture can be gleaned."
He also promised that the opposition will be putting pressure on government.
"In this year 2017, we will continue to seek answers that show us clearly the state of the territory’s finances and how your hard earned tax payers’ dollars have been spent. In this regard, we will be embarking on a robust accountability through the Public Accounts Committee, with a view of holding the elected government accountable for every allocated fund," Hon. Fahie noted.
The VIP Chairman said, "As we as Members of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition continue to seek answers on you, the people’s behalf, we would use the various mechanisms at our disposal to hold the elected government accountable. Therefore, we will continue to press for answers on matters that affect your interest by way of questions in the House of Assembly"
He stressed that these questions will continue whether the elected government is forthright or accurate in their response.
As earlier reports indicated, Governor Duncan wrote to Premier Smith early last year relating to fiscal responsibility, including the fact that government has not provided audited accounts for several years.
“FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) has asked me to note that without a formal audit of the BVIG's accounts, they cannot be certain as to the extent of their own contingent liability for the BVIG,” Governor Duncan told the Premier, BVI Platinum News understands.
The Governor further expressed to the Premier, "Consequently, if this matter is not seen to be addressed with some urgency, they will have little choice but to consider carefully with the Secretary of State what action to take."
Governor Duncan noted that following discussions with London, there are four areas which will continue to require attention and if not tackled with some urgency, will lead to further calls for his intervention. The four areas pointed out were a formal audit of the BVI government accounts; prioritisation of government spending; management of the annual fiscal budget; and public sector profligacy.
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