British Virgin Islands strengthens auditor general's office

Thursday, October 2, 2003

ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands: British Virgin Islands legislators have passed a new law extending the powers and scope of the auditor general's office in holding public officials accountable for spending.

The Audit Act, passed unanimously late Tuesday, 30th September, replaces a 1970 law creating the British Caribbean territory's audit department, and will go into effect once the governor signs the bill, the Associated Press reported. 

"This bill is designed to assist in ensuring the executive branch, its agents and persons in the public trust are held accountable to the electorate," AP quoted Finance Minister, Mr. Ronnie Skelton as saying.

The bill is one of the first presented to the Legislative Council by Chief Minister Orlando Smith's government, which was elected in June after campaigning on a platform for more accountability in public spending.

In addition to reviewing public office accounts, the auditor general will now be able to review records from government-owned utilities, boards and agencies.

The law also allows for assessment of whether government programs are effective, and stipulates deadlines for when audit reports must be made public.

Tuesday's vote came one week before the territory's former financial secretary is due to stand trial on corruption charges.

Mr. L. Allen Wheatley, who held the financial portfolio from 1998 until he stepped down in 2002, faces charges that he and four others conspired to steal $850,000 from the government through fraudulent contracts in 2001.

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