Public funds misspent?

AG claims gov’t entities disregard the rules

The Auditor General’s report has shown that government entities in many instances have continued to spend public funds without due regard for rules.



The audits identified breaches of the prescribed guidelines for the procurement of goods and services totalling more than $736 million and US$2.2 million.



The Auditor General, Pamela Monroe Ellis, says she was unable to determine how these organizations verified that the prices paid were fair and reasonable.



She adds that business was often done with suppliers who were not approved by the National Contracts Commission and who did not submit a tax compliance certificate.



In one instance the Electoral Office of Jamaica was cited as having acquired the services of a firm without using a competitive selection process.



The auditor general also says that there was an absence of written contracts for suppliers of goods and services totalling more than $242 million.



There were also discrepancies with contracts awarded for a total value of more than $32 million.



The auditor general also found that some government entities were making unsupported payments to individuals.



At Fiscal Services Limited an officer was provided with security services for his private residence for about $3.95 million even though there was no indication that this benefit was included in his employment contract.



Payments totalling $65,518 dollars were also made for the firearm licence of a member of staff, for tips and for the supply of leather covered personalized appointment diaries.



The auditor general says she was not satisfied that that these payments constituted proper charges against public funds.