PSU Condemns Reduced Qualifications and Pay Proposal for Auditor General Post

The Public Service Union of Belize (PSU) continues to condemn the Briceño Administration’s recent proposal to reduce the qualifications required for the position of Auditor General (AG). The union believes that the move to fill the post with a contract officer could compromise government accountability and increase the risk of corruption. Additionally, the union criticized the administration for proposing to cut the salary for the AG to $50,000 annually, which it described as “meager” and “disrespectful.” This morning on the morning show, Treasurer of the PSU, Shane Renau spoke on the part that the position plays in the functioning of our economy. 

Shane Reneau, Treasurer: “In regards to the Auditor General the Auditor General is, the post of the Auditor General is a key post in the check and balances of the government. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that internal controls are adequately implemented in the departments and the secondary responsibility is to detect fraud.”

Ann Marie, Co Host, The Morning Show: Implementing and monitoring.

Shane Reneau, Treasurer: “Yes ma’am. Based on the constitution of Belize the Auditor General holds a high rank, the post is actually constitutionally protected similarly to the DPP as well. So the Auditor General’s post is a key post. The issue as you guys already know the Public Service Union of Belize had sent out a press release objecting to the level of standards that the advertisement for the post called for. We believe that given the performance of the department over the years that we need a certified public accountant or an CPA or an ACCA accredited person to hold that office.”

The PSU says the position is attached to a check and balance system that ensures accountability in all departments and ministries. The union’s President Dean Flowers spoke on why he believes changes to the post will create more harm than good. 

Dean Flowers, PSU President: “In any system there should be what is referred to as separation of functions. And so no one person should be procuring an invoice, making the payment, approving the payment, and all of that, there should be different levels and in the government system there is a first and second approval I believe as well. And so your question I don’t know what was the intent behind the question but in essence what I gather from your question is that look for these types of monies to go missing there has to be collusion. I mean let’s stop fooling ourselves. I have said time and time again a lot of the financial problems, and I like to look into the camera when I say these things because I always say to my public officers I’m throwing, what did Bob Marley say “Throw mi corn and noh call no fowl.” 100%, 99% of the financials problems we have, the mismanagement, a finance officer has to be behind it. Let’s not fool ourselves. CEOs, ministers do not control government finances in terms of what is paid a what is not paid. 99% of the administrative problems _____ administrative officers. If they would only do what they’re required to do which is also to point out and blow the whistle when you’re being requested to do an act which is irregular, which is criminal, which is corrupt. And that’s why the office of the Auditor General is important. Brother Shane spoke about the limited human capacity within that department. I am hoping that the new Auditor General that comes in would familiarize him or herself with the constitution which gives their budget first call on the national budget. That department has first call on the national budget so there should be no reason why it is not adequately staff. There should be absolutely no reason why the competency within the office is not at the highest level.”

The post is yet to be filled.