Parish councils facing OCG audit

A DAY after the People's National Party (PNP) called for the Office of the Contractor General (OCG) to investigate the spending of taxpayers' money at specific parish councils, head of the oversight body, Greg Christie, said his office is one step ahead of the party's call, as a comprehensive audit of all parish councils is now under way.

Christie revealed yesterday that his office has already made referrals regarding allegations of fraudulent and corrupt practices at one parish council to the Police High Command and the director of public prosecutions.

The referrals were made by way of letters on November 17 last year.

Christie, in a release yesterday, said the decision to conduct audits of parish councils comes amid information, including sworn statements, regarding allegations and evidence of irregular procurement practices at some parish councils.

He said that as part of its "strategic operating objectives for this year, the OCG has already formally communicated its intention, to the Government of Jamaica, to conduct a comprehensive audit of the procurement records of all parish councils, with specific focus upon the use of the forced account contracting methodology to complete works contracts".

The OCG has written to director general of the Department of Local Government, Major Richard Reese, on January 14 advising him of the planned audit. A copy of the letter was also sent to permanent secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister which has responsibility for local government.

Specific requests

As part of its audit, the OCG has requested comprehensive particulars regarding 2010 works projects, as well as current projects being undertaken by all parish councils.

The OCG's entire multi-disciplinary Inspectorate Division team, led by the senior director, Monitoring Operations, Corporate Communications and Special Projects, will be mobilised to undertake the audits.

Christie has signalled that if serious acts of irregularity or impropriety were identified in the procurement practices of any parish council, appropriate steps would be taken by the OCG to ensure that the offending party or parties were brought to book.

Yesterday, Robert Montague, state minister with responsibility for local government, denied allegations that the Department of Local Government has been disproportionately allocating funds to the island's parish councils as a result of the upcoming by-elections. Montague also welcomed the decision by the OCG to carry out its islandwide audit.