Officer Rotation Policy to Strengthen Financial Oversight
Rotation of key finance officers to bolster accountability and transparency
The Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet has approved a new rotation policy for senior officers across key government financial departments in an effort to strengthen internal controls and prevent fraud and collusion.
Director-General of Communications Maurice Merchant said the measure will apply to officers in the Treasury Department, Customs and Excise Division, and Inland Revenue Department, where prolonged tenure in sensitive roles has been linked to risks of weak accountability.
He explained that the plan will be developed with technical assistance from the IMF-affiliated Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CAR-TAC), which specializes in public financial management and economic governance.
“The government recognizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of financial operations,” Merchant said, adding that the policy will ensure “regular rotation of officers in high-risk positions” as part of broader reforms to improve transparency and performance.
Under the plan, the Financial Secretary, in consultation with the Minister of Finance, will oversee the transfer and reassignment of officers within these departments to reinforce fiscal discipline and public confidence in government systems .
Merchant said the initiative aligns with international best practices in public sector governance and signals Antigua and Barbuda’s continued commitment to financial accountability and reform.
