Members Named to Public Accounts Committee Following Debate

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Members Named to Public Accounts Committee Following Debate

The House of Representatives has officially established the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in accordance with Section 98 of the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda.

The announcement followed an extended debate over the composition and functionality of the oversight body tasked with scrutinizing public funds and expenditures.

The PAC is comprised of five members, including three government representatives and two opposition members, as per longstanding customary practice. The members appointed are:

  1. Hon. Jamale Pringle (All Saints East and St. Luke) – Chairman
  2. Hon. Trevor Walker (Barbuda)
  3. Hon. Daryll Matthew (St. John’s Rural South)
  4. Hon. Melford Nicholas (St. John’s City East)
  5. Hon. Anthony Smith (All Saints West)

The appointment process sparked lively discussions, with opposition members arguing for greater inclusivity and representation.

The opposition voiced concerns about the inclusion of government ministers in an oversight role, suggesting that it undermines the committee’s independence. They also criticized logistical challenges that have historically hindered the PAC’s ability to convene and conduct meetings effectively.

Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Jamale Pringle, expressed frustration with delays and quorum issues, highlighting instances where scheduled meetings were postponed due to government members’ unavailability. He argued for a more streamlined process and emphasized the need for transparency in public financial oversight.

Government members countered by reaffirming their commitment to ensuring the PAC fulfills its mandate. They proposed leveraging modern communication tools, such as virtual meetings, to address scheduling conflicts and facilitate greater participation.

The debate also touched on the legal and customary foundations of the PAC. Members acknowledged that while the Constitution does not explicitly outline detailed roles for the committee, customary practices have established the current framework, with a majority of government members.

Government representatives, including Hon. Melford Nicholas and Hon. Molwyn Joseph, emphasized the committee’s primary purpose: reviewing the Auditor General’s reports to ensure compliance with the Appropriation Act. They dismissed claims that the committee serves as a mechanism for ministerial oversight, focusing instead on its role in financial accountability.

In the end, the motion to appoint the five members and designate Hon. Jamal Pringle as chairman was carried with majority support.

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3 COMMENTS

  1. Since Pringle that cannot even read properly will understand Government business? Pringle cannot even present a bill in Parliament and this nincompoop is being asked to dissect the auditors notes and make recommendations to avoid excessive expenditures & pork barrel spending?
    No wonder Antigua will never improve. How can we expect anything out of Pringle unless D Giselle writes it? Replace Pringle with the man that killed his girlfriend Bowen & Trevor with Richard his wife is Jamaican Lewis.

  2. Customary practices??? These were totally abandoned in order to woo Smith. It makes sense and the pursuit of good governance to have three opposition members. ABLP better realize that they are not going to rule forever.

  3. Jamale Pringle is full of sht

    I can never forget when his shambolic chairmanship of the Public Accounts Committee was exposed by a teenager, who asked him one simple question at the UPP’s ABST town hall in Willikies:

    If its true that government PAC members are keeping you from performing your duties, how come this is the first time after 5 years you are saying so?

    Nuff said.

    Who really believes that Jamale Pringle is effectively steering the PAC ship? Who?

    This lazy SOB contents himself with the fact that, at the very least, he has a “safe seat” so he can be Opposition Leader for Life (OLFL) as the UPP looses election after election.

    The UPP insults our intelligence daily. They give us – the people who want a competent Opposition – the middle finger, by propping up this incompetent Gisele Isaac puppet as their alternative PM.

    The entire UPP has been dumbed down to Pringle’s Level. To do the bare minimum as a UPP MP, which inevitably means outshining the Puppet, is an invitation for sabotage and ceaseless strife.

    Disgraceful!

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