Ten days ago, we told you how the Social Partner Senators wrote to Tracy Taegar-Panton, the chair of the Joint Public Accounts Committee, to request that a meeting of the Committee be convened. Their last meeting was back in February, and in that same month, the Public Service Union leveled harsh criticism at the UDP since this financial oversight committee is the only one that a representative of the Opposition chairs.
Today, a press release was sent out from the Desk of the Clerk of the National Assembly informing that the JPAC met yesterday. That session happened at the National Assembly Building, and according to the Clerk, the Committee met with Financial Secretary Joe Waight. They also discussed matters and concerns about the backlogs of Auditor General Reports and Annual Accounts that are to be submitted to the Auditor General in compliance with the Finance and Audit Reform Act.
The JPAC also deliberated on the quote, "...issue of the Auditor General's post being vacant for too long." End quote. They agreed that a new Auditor General must be identified with urgency. They will reach out to the Prime Minister's Office and the National Assembly members to fill the vacancy "without any further delay."
At yesterday's meeting, the Committee also agreed on its Work Plan and the proposed meeting dates for the rest of the current financial year. They also reaffirmed the decision for those future hearings to be held in public.
The members who attended were Chairperson Tracy Panton, Jorge Espat - who filled in for Julius Espat, and Senators Kevin Herrera and Janelle Chanona.
