Auditor offers real and virtual access to public
(CNS): The Cayman public will now have more access to one of government’s most important watchdogs with the launch of the auditor general’s new website. The comprehensive portal reveals everything from how much the staff have spent on hospitality to the office’s forthcomingaudits letting the people see not only how the office spends its own budget but how the team is keeping a close eye on how all public money is being spent. The website www.auditorgeneral.gov.ky was launched Tuesday and Alastair Swarbrick is inviting the public to an open day next month to meet him and his team.
The office has also made public its strategic plan and its performance, or value-for-money, audit programme. The deputy auditor general Garnet Harrison, who has spearheaded the work on the website said there is a lot of information on it previously unavailable except through freedom of information requests. Harrison said the new site will ensure the key provisions of the FOI law will be met more efficiently and it will be an example of good practice for other public bodies to follow in the future.
The Office has made public management team remuneration, key payments and contracts, employee travel expenses, hospitality received and given and even a register of interests for key employees. Visitors to the website will be able to find copies of the office’s press releases and audit reports dating back to 1995 and a ‘Quick Guide to the Office.’
In an effort to provide useful information to other officials in the Cayman Islands Government, the website will have information about good practices for the management of the public sector as well as links to other websites that provide information that could assist public sector managers.
Swarbrick also announced the recently completed Strategic Plan – Making a Difference – and the planned programme of performance audits.
“Since being appointed Auditor General in July 2010, I have spent a lot of time talking to government officials and the public to understand how my office can provide the government with an effective independent public audit function,” Swarbrick said. “I believe the Strategic Plan captures the essence of this effort and will be a good base for how we want to go forward in the future. We desire to make a difference in how Government operates by promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability in the use of public funds.”
He said the purpose of performance audit plan is to inform all stakeholders of the reports the office plans to issue over the next 18 months and other areas it plans to watch and which may be reported on in the future.
“I also hope that it will help stimulate stakeholders to contribute ideas about the areas my Office should be auditing,” he added.
Public sector employees and the public are also invited to meet the Auditor General and his staff, and have a “tour” of the new website at an open house to be held on 2 November from 1.00pm to 4.00pm at the office on the third floor of Anderson Square, 64 Shedden Road.
Category: Local News
An outstanding example of transparancy in the Public Service is demonstrated on this well designed and easy to use website. Congratulations to the OAG and its hard working staff.
I look forward to seeing more truly open websites such as this coming online in the near future, including greater openness in the LA reporting online, Cabinet Office condensed minutes, and other areas that will help pull back the blinds and enlighten the public.
Back in my Esso days we always joked that an audit stared with a conversation made up of two 'fibs'. The audit team leader would arrive and say "I'm here to help", and the country manager would reply "and I am glad you are here". Jokes aside, the OAG is clearly demonstrating here that in order to hold others to high and proper standards, they must be the first to demonstrate that these standards are attainable and will help improve the public service. They are clearly here to help and deserve credit for a job well done here.
CNS: David, can you log in please if you are using your real name.
When do we get the same from the RCIPS?
Way to go Mr Swarbrick.
There are a great many public servants in the Cayman Islands who could learn a lot from you.
I suggest that all those politicians guilty of any official wrong-doing to start wearing diapers because a lot of them are about to "crap" in their pants. Yes, we do want to clean house, but not in this manner. Keep on doing what you're doing Mr. Swarbrick.
Do they have an email address that the public can use to start an investigation?
The Auditor General's office email is
auditorgeneral@oag.gov.ky
No, the AG's email is AuditorGeneral@gov.ky.
Complaints Commissioner email is CaymanComplaints@occ.gov.ky
I like this Auditor General. We need more men like him who do things the right way. An example some of our politicians can learn from.
It will be refreshing to see the AG taking such a pro-active role and by liaising with the public more frequently he will no doubt become aware of further mismanagement of the country's assets.and take corrective actions in going forward.
Good job and great idea.
Thank you for leading the way.
Excellent stuff well done Auditor General's Office…
Now THIS is what we call TRANSPARANCY Mr Bush!
I just re-read the UDP manifesto from 2009 and here is what they promised:
"We are committed to restoring credible and effective fiscal management to the public sector. This includes transparent and timely audits".
I wonder how that promise is working out?
I know your comment is tongue in cheek but we all know that it isn't working out. However, the AG is letting us see the light at the end of the tunnel and we no longer speculate that it is a train coming towards us. Keep up the good work, Mr AG. I also believe that there are many good civil servants who are happy that things are going to be investigated and handled properly.