Obstructing audit functions now a criminal offence with fines
The amendment made to the Audit Act, No.13 of 2003 is as set out in the Framework for Implementation of the Recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry Report and Other Reforms, with the intention to address Recommendation B16 of the Commission of Inquiry report which advises “that consideration be given to amending the Audit Act 2003 so as to make a failure on the part of any person to cooperate with or otherwise impede the Auditor General without a legitimate excuse, a criminal offence.”
Deputy Governor Mr David D. Archer Jr according to a release from the Government Information Service said the Amendments signify the Government’s commitment to a more accountable Public Service.
“As we move swiftly to exact the strategy outlined in the Framework for Implementation, each step brings us closer to greater accountability in the Public Service that the public deserves. I am confident that these amendments carry significant weight and will allow an enhanced audit process for everyone as good governance continues to be a critical part of the public service transformation plan.”
Amendment took effect August 10, 2022
The amendment came into effect on August 10, 2022, where Section 21B has been inserted to the Act and stipulates that a person who, without lawful excuse, fails to cooperate with or otherwise impedes, hinders or resists the Auditor General in the discharge of duty or the exercise of a power conferred on him or her, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars.
The release noted that similarly, the Service Commissions Regulations have been amended to address recommendation B17, which speaks to the consequences for public officers who fail to cooperate with the Office of the Auditor General and the Director of Internal Audit.
“Failure by a public officer to cooperate with the Office of the Auditor General or Internal Audit Department will be considered an act of gross misconduct that carries a stiff penalty,” the release added.
The amendment states that in the case of a first-time misconduct, the Public Officer is subject to up to 30 days’ suspension as well as demotion. In the case of a second time and subsequent misconduct, the officer is subject to dismissal.
The recommendation also applies to employees of statutory boards where all Statutory Boards were given instructions by the Acting Governor to amend their governing documents to ensure that this recommendation is addressed and are well underway with making the necessary amendments.
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26 Responses to “Obstructing audit functions now a criminal offence with fines ”
IT means that all the games that was played by those who think they got all the brains and the can do as the like / well let them try that sh*t again
up- keeping the laws is an issue... I can appreciate the fact that Britain is serious about good governance and holding corrupt officials accountable...
They dont have to be to account by anyone
Man made money now we have a set of rules to protect the money that have nothing to do with human care. And we have a set of people that will do anything for the money including violence, which justifies the set of rules. Its all foolishness. Why should for example the dollar make this tiny territory more attractive place to live in than other resource rich countries?
Coming from a local, why leave a bread basket nation to come here where the sea is rich but there is not enough food on land to feed a high population?? People of the world went from physical slavery & being butchered for their lands, straight into capitalist wage slavery.
The government can put their heads together and create processes for one, two or three main exportable resources to trade globally or regionally, get those soon to be worth-less dollars, stockpile food and employ the people under 'good governance' working conditions.
Right now we're like a scattered flock with the Shepard saying fend for yourself, and beholden to his rule, which in the end is useless if he will not lead the way. Meaning Authority can not be hands off, yet beating sheep and expect prosperity. Look at what monetary policy & racism did to Haiti.
Someone put a gun to their head and said you give us money and you stay poor, if you are poor we will not invade you. They should have gotten rid of the concept of debt and told France to get lost.
Democracy will not magically make our problems go away we need more than 'good governance' whatever that means, arent the people in the UK struggling against heat & dreading the cold? Conserving energy because nature is the biggest threat. War planes can not stop starvation nor winter. Dollars & pounds, paper money only go so far.
it was fine when they had slaves producing food, mining gold, privateers stealing jewels for trade. Invasions for acquiring oil are a legacy of this behavior. The meaning of unsustainable living will be defined this century.
We need realistic thinking about the state of the world and how to increase the territory's chance of survival. Our concerns are food/trade, security, housing, and protecting ourselves from hurricane, flooding, drought and the effects of war between 'super powers'.
Where is the jail time to make would be offenders realise that this is serious business? We need to wheel and come again.