Dhayanithi P – Auditor General's Department

Independent Auditor’s Report – Examination of the Components of The Fiscal Policy Paper FY2023/24 (February 2023)

Dhayanithi P — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 16:02:03 +0000

I examined the components of the Fiscal Policy Paper (FPP), which was laid before the Houses of Parliament on 2023, February 14, in accordance with the Financial Administration and Audit (FAA) Act. Based on my review, I found that the report met the requirements of the Third Schedule and included the minimum content under the Fiscal Responsibility Statement, Macroeconomic Framework and Fiscal Management Strategy.

I adhered to the standards issued by the International Association of Supreme Audit Institutions and International Standard on Assurance Engagement (ISAE) 3000 – Assurance Engagements Other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Information issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board.

Performance Audit Report – National Works Agency (Managing the Main Road Network)

Dhayanithi P — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 15:31:04 +0000

The Government’s vision for its road network is aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #9 wherein, investment in infrastructure and innovation are crucial drivers of economic growth and development. The National Works Agency (NWA) recognizes that efficient and effective main road network are essential to the achievement of Vision 2030 National Outcome #9 “Strong Economic Infrastructure”. Vision 2030 Jamaica National Development Plan (NDP) highlighted that periodic and consistent routine maintenance and rehabilitation is relatively more cost-effective when compared to new road construction.

We conducted a performance audit to determine whether NWA’s management of Jamaica’s main roads was cost-effective and agile in accordance with relevant policies and guidelines to achieve value for money and the National Strategic Vision for Jamaica’s road and road infrastructure. The audit focused on selected programme/projects, namely, Major Infrastructure Development Programme (MIDP), and the Junction Main Road Rehabilitation which were substantially completed, as well as the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project which is in progress. We found that NWA generally adhered to the Government’s Procurement Guidelines related to the bidding, evaluation, and award process. However, improvements were required in terms of due diligence at the works design stage, and the planning and monitoring of the sampled projects to maximise value from money spent.

Auditor General’s Department Special Audit Report – Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency (HR Practices)

Dhayanithi P — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 15:20:18 +0000

The Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) is integral to the nation’s border security system. The Agency, which manages Jamaica’s immigration process and matters related to application for and renunciation of Jamaican citizenship, must have in place proper systems that enable lawful travel and trade essential to economic prosperity, and national sovereignty. Accordingly, PICA is required to achieve certain performance indicators as a measure of its efficiency and success for example, targets relating to processing passport applications, requests for citizenships and passengers arriving and departing Jamaican ports. PICA is also tasked to carry out the investigation of offenses committed in any of the areas regulated by PICA.

Based on allegations related to the process of recruiting, hiring, promoting or and selection for professional training courses, we undertook a review to ascertain the credibility of the assertions. While we identified areas that needed strengthening, overall, we found no evidence to substantiate the aforementioned allegations. Nonetheless, I urge PICA to continue to reinforce its standards.

I take this opportunity to thank the management of PICA for the courtesies extended to my team during the execution of our preliminary assessment.