Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Jermaine Figueira claims frustration over the government’s approach to the work of what he deems one of the most important parliamentary committees. As he sees it, the government has adopted an “obstructionist approach” to the business of the committee.
Figueira’s comments come on the heels of a letter sent to him by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira. Teixeira, a member of the PAC is asking that the committee do away with a decades-old practice of examining two years of the Auditor General reports simultaneously.
The Minister thinks this is a necessary approach so that a closer look can be taken at the spending of the APNU+AFC following the passage of the No-Confidence Motion. Teixeira is therefore against the impending move to examine 2019 and 2020 reports together.
On the other hand, Figueira is of the opinion that there is no reason to examine the reports separately. He is calling government’s request yet another delay tactic. The PAC Chairman thinks government wants to avoid examination of the reports that highlight its wrongdoing.
Figueira pointed out that the practice of examining two years combined dates way back and has been the case under at least three other chairpersons including, President Irfaan Ali.
The Chairman said, “I intend to respond to the issues that she raised as being government’s concerns. Those concerns, to me, are not for consideration by the PAC. The PAC deals with the findings of the AG report. Claims of elections and No-Confidence Motion are irrelevant to our business. Our work is surrounding transparency and accountability.”
Figueira said he has noted an obstructionist approach adopted by the government. He said, “This is all to avoid reaching their years in a proper time. It is delay tactics.”
The Chairman was firm that the committee intends to proceed based on precedent. He said he is inviting government members to “show up and ask questions.”
Figueira claims that he has never denied anyone their right to ask questions and he has no intentions to do so now. “They can ask as many questions as they like. But we want to get on with the work of the committee.”
According to Figueira, the government is running scared. He thinks that the concern is that time for the examination of 2020 and 2021 spending is fast approaching. “Their fear comes as a result of their management of the public purse. But the public has a right to know. Therefore, the PAC should be allowed to work unencumbered.”
