Pringle Weighs Writ of Mandamus to Compel Government Transparency
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle says his party is considering filing a writ of mandamus to force the government to comply with financial disclosure laws, accusing Prime Minister Gaston Browne of withholding key reports from Parliament.
Speaking at a United Progressive Party town hall, Pringle pointed to the 2006 Finance Administration Act, which requires that all public funds and government investments be reported in the public accounts. He said the law obligates the Minister of Finance to submit detailed investment reports and related agreements to Parliament, yet these have not been provided.
“We have not seen the agreement before the House of Parliament,” Pringle said, citing the government’s Jolly Beach investment as an example. “We have not seen the financials of Jolly Beach. We have not even seen the financials of Social Security.”
Pringle argued that the government’s refusal to share these documents undermines accountability. He added that the Prime Minister has blocked access to audit opinions he did not like, a move Pringle described as unlawful.
According to Pringle, the writ of mandamus—a court order requiring a public official to perform a legal duty—is one of several legal options the UPP is exploring to ensure compliance. “We have taken the decision within the United Progressive Party that we are exploring all options because we want to see the reports,” he told the audience.
When pressed on whether the courts could enforce such an order given past instances where the government ignored rulings, Pringle said public pressure remained vital. “Regardless of the outcome within the courts, the people of this country don’t need a decision from the court to act,” he said.
The opposition leader framed the move as part of a broader push to strengthen accountability and restore confidence in public financial management.
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