During the first meeting of the Free National Movement government, it was decided that all ministers would conduct an audit in their ministries, including departments and agencies funded by the “public purse.”
The meeting was held yesterday at the Cecil Wallace Whitfield Centre and it was decided that the ministry audits be made of persons hired on contract, their job title or position, salary and period of contract.
According to a statement released by cabinet, it would also be determined whether there are contract persons attached to projects funded by international agencies.
The statement also noted that the law will take its course where persons are found to be in breach of the Financial Administrative and Audit Act, by misappropriating public funds or engaging in unlawful activities.
“It was agreed that where persons were hired with specialty skills, who have been performing needed services, that every effort would be made to retain their services,” the statement read.
It was also noted that forensic audits will also be conducted on the Urban Renewal Department, the Bank of The Bahamas and the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI).
Additionally, the Internal Audit of the Ministry of Finance will review processes within ministries and departments to bring about greater efficiencies.
“The government is seeking to curtail unnecessary expenditure and the results of these audits will assist it in determining the way forward,” the statement added.
At yesterday’s meeting, the cabinet also held preliminary discussions on the budget, which will be presented to parliament and made effective July 1, 2017.
All cabinet ministers were present for the first meeting except Minister of Works Desmond Bannister, who is currently out of the country.
Bannister is expected to return home this week and he is expected to be sworn in at the earliest opportunity.
According to a statement from cabinet, Bannister had an audience with Prime Minister Hubert Minnis on Sunday, where he accepted the appointment as minister of works.
