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A solemn promise made to the country by former Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, that forensic auditors would be dispatched to scour the books in the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme, (JDIP), had not materialised up to the last moments of the former administration.
The man now in charge of the Ministry of Works, Dr Omar Davies, on Wednesday disclosed that nothing had been done when the former head of government gave orders for the investigations to be carried out.
At the height of a raging public debate about the mounting JDIP scandal, Mr Holness took direct control of the project and promised the country in a national broadcast that no stone would be left unturned because his administration had no tolerance for corruption.
At the time, the scathing contents of a report penned by Auditor General Pamela Munroe Ellis led to the resignation of the then Works Minister Mike Henry as well as the then head of the National Works Agency, Patrick Wong.
Dr. Alwin Hayles took leave of absence from his job as Permanent Secretary.
The PNP which was then in Opposition sounded off that it wanted a forensic audit.
But when Dr. Davis met with staffers of the Ministry for the first time on Wednesday, it was disclosed that the promise made by the former Prime Minister was just that...a promise.
Acting Permanent Secretary Audrey Sewell explained that the delay was due to the probe of the programme by the Contractor General.
She explains further that in December much time was spent responding to specific queries. According to Ms. Sewell, while the forensic audit has not begun, actions have been initiated.
Work continues
In the meantime the new Minister has indicated that work on the programme is continuing.
As it relates to a suggestion by the then Opposition in December that a number of files relating to the programme had gone missing, Dr. Davies said the forensic audit should uncover any further irregularity.
And Dr. Davies said he will be focusing on public entities that fall under the portfolio which he thinks need immediate attention by placing the spotlight on entities which are not profitable. He also said that board members of agencies under the direct oversight of the Ministry have been tendering their resignation since the change of government.
`http://rjrnewsonline.com/news/local/...-still-pending
The man now in charge of the Ministry of Works, Dr Omar Davies, on Wednesday disclosed that nothing had been done when the former head of government gave orders for the investigations to be carried out.
At the height of a raging public debate about the mounting JDIP scandal, Mr Holness took direct control of the project and promised the country in a national broadcast that no stone would be left unturned because his administration had no tolerance for corruption.
At the time, the scathing contents of a report penned by Auditor General Pamela Munroe Ellis led to the resignation of the then Works Minister Mike Henry as well as the then head of the National Works Agency, Patrick Wong.
Dr. Alwin Hayles took leave of absence from his job as Permanent Secretary.
The PNP which was then in Opposition sounded off that it wanted a forensic audit.
But when Dr. Davis met with staffers of the Ministry for the first time on Wednesday, it was disclosed that the promise made by the former Prime Minister was just that...a promise.
Acting Permanent Secretary Audrey Sewell explained that the delay was due to the probe of the programme by the Contractor General.
She explains further that in December much time was spent responding to specific queries. According to Ms. Sewell, while the forensic audit has not begun, actions have been initiated.
Work continues
In the meantime the new Minister has indicated that work on the programme is continuing.
As it relates to a suggestion by the then Opposition in December that a number of files relating to the programme had gone missing, Dr. Davies said the forensic audit should uncover any further irregularity.
And Dr. Davies said he will be focusing on public entities that fall under the portfolio which he thinks need immediate attention by placing the spotlight on entities which are not profitable. He also said that board members of agencies under the direct oversight of the Ministry have been tendering their resignation since the change of government.
`http://rjrnewsonline.com/news/local/...-still-pending