by Rick Lowe

On Friday, October 20, 2006 the lead story in The Nassau Guardian was coverage of the opening of the Caribbean Organisation of Supreme Audit Institution (CAROSAI) Congress here in Nassau.

Apparently Prime Minister Christie challenged visiting auditors-general from the region, the UK and the US “to ensure government is accountable for public funds…”.

On the surface, this statement is laudable, but exemplifies the old adage that one should put their brain in gear before they put their mouths in motion.

I know, that was mean spirited, but reports are that Mr. Christie’s own political party (the PLP) has challenged what information should be provided to the Public Accounts Committee for their scrutiny.

My understanding is that the only documents made available to this statutory body by the government are the accounts that are actually tabled in House of Assembly. And guess what? The last Auditor-General’s report tabled is for the year 2002/2003.

This blogger would have thought that Prime Minister Christie would have held his government to a higher standard, but it appears that accountability is only meant for those outside the hallowed halls of Parliament.