International review of audit reports, independent legal advice needed- AFC

Last Updated on Sunday, 10 April 2016, 23:22 by Denis Chabrol

The Alliance For Change (AFC) wants an independent review of several audit reports and the hiring of independent legal advisors to determine if anyone should be charged, to avoid claims of a witch-hunt.

“The party is of the view that the series of audit reports into apparent irregularities in various government agencies should be supplemented by a review by experienced independent international forensic auditors and thereafter submitted to high quality external professional independent legal advice with a view to proceeding to prosecution where warranted,” the AFC said in a statement at the end of a one-day leadership retreat.

Well-placed sources told Demerara Waves Online News that the AFC appeared concerned about the competence of local prosecution because the records show that the cases fail. The sources explained that international legal advice would help insulate government from any claims that it is on a witch-hunt.

The AFC source said the party leadership believed that government should not delay in “having a strong hand on those who are found culpable not only of corrupt transactions but also malfeasance in public office.”

After spending almost GYD$200 million on several forensic audits, no one has been prosecuted to date since APNU+AFC coalition government took office almost one year ago.

At least 50 forensic audits have been conducted at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Guyana Energy Agency (GEA),  Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Gold Board, E-Governance Project, National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU).