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ST. LUCIA’S PUBLIC ACCOUNTS: A KEY TO TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

In a move to ensure transparency and accountability, the Office of the Director of Audit in St. Lucia has been entrusted with the responsibility of examining the Public Accounts of the government.

The Importance of Public Accounts

The Public Accounts, which are the financial statements of the government, provide a comprehensive picture of the country’s financial affairs and account for the monies collected and spent. Under Section 7 (b) of the Audit Act, the Director of Audit is directed to examine these financial statements and express an opinion on whether they present fairly information in accordance with stated accounting policies and on a basis consistent with that of the preceding year.

The Role of the Office of the Director of Audit

To carry out this mandate, the Office of the Director of Audit conducts audit work, including compliance and attest functions, in government departments and agencies each year. The compliance function involves observing whether laws, budgets, regulations, provisions, cabinet conclusions, establishment circulars, etc., have been complied with. The attest function is concerned with verifying information conveyed by the administration to Parliament and reporting certain types of information directly to the Legislature.

A History of Accountability

The office of the Director of Audit has a rich history dating back to 1949 when T.D. Towers served as Head of Audit Department, later known as Director of Audit. Since then, twelve individuals have held the position, with the current Director of Audit being A. Bonnette.

Auditing Government Departments and Agencies

The Office of the Director of Audit audits all government departments and agencies, including their boards, funds, and special accounts. This includes statutory bodies and government companies, which differ widely in nature, budget size, funding sources, and degree of independence.

Investigating Special Government-Wide Issues

The office also investigates special government-wide issues, such as:

  • Accountability of statutory bodies
  • Management of payroll costs
  • Other matters that apply across government

Audit Products

The Office of the Director of Audit produces various audit products, including:

  • Financial audits
  • Compliance audits
  • Performance audits
  • Special/request audits

These products provide valuable insights into the financial health and governance of government departments and agencies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Office of the Director of Audit plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability in St. Lucia’s government. By examining public accounts and auditing all government departments and agencies, the office provides a safeguard against mismanagement and abuse of power.