An internal audit into five Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is yet to commence one month after the Regional Executive Officer was instructed to have it done.
Regional Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain
One month ago, Regional Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain claimed that there were irregularities discovered at five Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in Region Six but has refused to reveal the discrepancies unearthed.
The NDCs under watch are the Maida/Tarlogie; Bush Lot/Adventure; Kintyre/Borlam; Port Mourant/John and Gibraltar/Fyrish NDCs.
As Head of the Regional Local Government Committee, Hussain would have made the recommendations for the NDCs to be audited.
Hussain had stated also that financial documents were missing from one of the listed NDCs.
NDC Councillor Collin Moore
However, the Regional Executive Officer was tasked with ensuring that the audit department carries out the audit but when the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) met last week, Councilor Collin Moore asked for the evidence which shows that discrepancies were unearthed.
He was told that the matter is being investigated, but Moore, who is part of one of the mentioned NDCs, is confident that no corrupt practices were found and that the matter should not be investigated based on “hearsay”.
Hussain held out that there is evidence but at the same time refused to provide any to the RDC.
“I said it at the meeting that the audit would reveal whatever there is. I have some evidence in my possession but I am not privileged to divulge it. I will divulge it after the audit. That is what I said at the last meeting. So, I will urge that the regional audit system kicks in and ensure that we audit the various NDCs that I mentioned,” Hussain replied.
Back in December, it was promised that the audit of the NDCs would have commenced within a few days. However, one month later, the process has not begun.
“The audit has not started because of the holiday and we were unable to reach with the team yesterday (Wednesday) because of other engagements. So as soon as we meet, we will discuss the way forward,” Hussain added.
It had been reported that financial books had reportedly disappeared from the Port Mourant/John NDC after a staff member was questioned about the difference in the sum recorded on official receipts as against what was recorded on the duplicate.
There have also been reports of similar activity at the Maida/Tarlogie NDC. Several persons have been questioned in relation to the alleged fraud.
