Members of Anguilla’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), along with a Youth Parliamentarian will make a working visit to Westminster from 01-05 February, 2016.
The five day programme aims to build the capacity of the Chair, Members and staff of the PAC to fulfil their respective roles effectively and efficiently while at the same time cementing long-term supportive relationships with key stakeholders in the UK.
Funded by the Governor’s Office, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, and the Government of Anguilla the programme has been facilitated by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in partnership with the House of Assembly Office
The programme will provide a comprehensive introduction to the role and functions of the PAC to the new Chair, Members and Officer of the PAC. It will facilitate exchanges between the Anguillan PAC and the UK PAC, National Audit Office, World Bank Parliamentary Strengthening Programme and other stakeholders. The series of meetings and workshops will assist the PAC in the identification of the key challenges Anguilla faces in implementing international best practices related to financial scrutiny, and identify practical ways to implement them in an Anguillan context.
Youth Parliamentarian, Marejah Smith will also form part of the delegation giving her a unique opportunity to bring back what she learns in London to the Youth Parliament.
HE the Governor, Christina Scott, said
“I am pleased that my office has the opportunity, along with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, to fund this initiative aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Anguilla’s Public Accounts Committee.
It is so important in any parliamentary democracy that robust mechanisms exist to hold the Government and its civil servants to account for the decisions they take as to how tax payer’s money is spent in the delivery of public services.
As we work to create a thriving economy in challenging economic times, the functioning of an effective and respected Public Accounts Committee is key.”
PAC Chair, Palmavon Webster, MLA commented
“We are all very excited to take part in this programme…our people want more transparency and they want government to be more accountable. I intend that this Anguilla PAC should take bold steps in that direction.”
Established in September 2015, the current PAC in Anguilla is a standing committee of the House of Assembly whose purpose is to prevent waste or misappropriation of public funds and to ensure transparent accounting and reporting of government expenditure.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
