Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle on Thursday raised concerns in Parliament about procedural gaps affecting the operations of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), urging immediate clarification on its legal standing and the rules governing its oversight functions.
Speaking during the sitting of the House of Representatives, Pringle noted that the rules of procedure for the PAC, which he laid before Parliament in July, have not yet been ratified. He also highlighted that the Standing Orders—the official guide to parliamentary operations—contain no reference to the committee, leaving uncertainty about how it should properly function.
“We have a functioning Public Accounts Committee,” Pringle said, “but nothing in the Standing Orders speaks to it. We need to ensure that the rules are properly constituted so that we have clear guidelines to follow.”
In response, Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin acknowledged the omission and pledged to begin a formal review. He said the government is committed to strengthening the framework governing the PAC to promote transparency and accountability.
“The point made by my friend from All Saints East and St. Luke is a good one,” Benjamin said. “I undertake to initiate the process so we can review and look again at that particular area… to make certain that we set up a system with which we are all satisfied.”
The PAC serves as Parliament’s main financial oversight body, responsible for examining government spending and ensuring that taxpayers’ money is used appropriately. Pringle, who chairs the committee, has been advocating for its meetings to be held publicly to increase transparency.
Benjamin said the review would include consultation with parliamentary staff and a review of the Hansard records to ensure proper parliamentary procedure is followed.
