Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle on Thursday raised concerns in Parliament about procedural gaps affecting the operations of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), urging immediate clarification on its legal standing and the rules governing its oversight functions.
Speaking during the sitting of the House of Representatives, Pringle noted that the rules of procedure for the PAC, which he laid before Parliament in July, have not yet been ratified. He also highlighted that the Standing Orders—the official guide to parliamentary operations—contain no reference to the committee, leaving uncertainty about how it should properly function.
“We have a functioning Public Accounts Committee,” Pringle said, “but nothing in the Standing Orders speaks to it. We need to ensure that the rules are properly constituted so that we have clear guidelines to follow.”
In response, Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin acknowledged the omission and pledged to begin a formal review. He said the government is committed to strengthening the framework governing the PAC to promote transparency and accountability.
“The point made by my friend from All Saints East and St. Luke is a good one,” Benjamin said. “I undertake to initiate the process so we can review and look again at that particular area… to make certain that we set up a system with which we are all satisfied.”
The PAC serves as Parliament’s main financial oversight body, responsible for examining government spending and ensuring that taxpayers’ money is used appropriately. Pringle, who chairs the committee, has been advocating for its meetings to be held publicly to increase transparency.
Benjamin said the review would include consultation with parliamentary staff and a review of the Hansard records to ensure proper parliamentary procedure is followed.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
“…In response, Attorney General [sic] Steadroy Benjamin acknowledged the ommission …”
What the hell, you couldn’t make this s%#t up if you tried. Hopefully, the net is closing on these nefarious vagabonds.
Dear Lord please take the wheel soon. 🙏🏾
So they purposely wrote it up with the omission?
Bwoy this is just beyond.. they keep saying UPP was just as corrupt when they were in power, but if that was so, they would have won this pass election and every election before, but they didn’t, because there are some men with some integrity in the UPP party, and they campaigned with integrity.
They can call Pringle all they want, but they will never call him corrupt..same goes for Mr Lewis and Lovell. And Shuggy is taking his time and learning how to be a good politician.
You just have to scratch your head sometimes.
He promised review? After they ignore you for 11 years? You fall for that again?
Is either UPP leader naïve or Steadroy know that he can hold him off for another 10 years with a PROMISE.
This is a joke. Pringle really believe he will get a review next month, next year, next decade, next century?
Bro, you guys more dumb than I thought.
You all not ready yet for hardball politics. That is why the dawg dismiss you all so easy. He will get the better of you all the time because you all are too soft. You all too ready to agree with him in Parliament and trying to show you ready for bi-partisan work on behalf of the nation.
Dude, dat nuh how e go. You don’t remember Molwyn told you all they don’t need no help from you? You notice the only time they come to UPP for bi-partisan support is when is just some obvious likkle subben bill like this one? When is something for dem alone to benefit, they act like they never see nor hear aryuh.
You all need to forget this politics business and go and barbecue your chicken and hold your ball and have some fun with your mobilization Sunday. This too rough for you.
You too innocent for Antigua politics.
@labour.
“You too innocent for Antigua politics”
Truer words has never been spoken. Waw.
Powerful indeed.
Shut up, Pringle! Everybody knows you got two (2) whole vehicles from the fiasco!
Stop pretending to be so upstanding! Sit down and shut up!!!