Governor Rankin defends ‘biased’ Auditor General
Amidst heavy criticisms from legislators and some members of the public that Auditor General Sonia M. Webster’s reports on consultation contracts for Claude O. Skelton-Cline and the contract for the barges to provide border security are biased and “lacking balance”, United Kingdom (UK) appointed Governor John J. Rankin, CMG has come to the defense of the Auditor General.
During a press conference today, March 3, 2023, Governor Rankin thanked the Auditor General and her team for their work.
He said the Audit Act 2003 sets out that audits shall be undertaken in accordance with good auditing practices and standards, and “I am satisfied that these audits meet these requirements.”
According to the Governor, the mandate and methodology used in conducting the audits are set out in the reports for everyone to see.
Residents have questioned the motives of
the many one-sided reports from the Auditor General Sonia M. Webster and
whether she took instructions from the controversial Governor John J.
Rankin and the one-man Commissioner Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom.
Was the AG taking instructions?
Meanwhile, residents have questioned the motives of the many one-sided reports from the Auditor General and whether she took instructions from the controversial Governor John J. Rankin and the one-man Commissioner Sir Gary R. Hickinbottom.
If that is so, Ms Webster would have violated the Auditor Bill, and it could render her reports illegitimate.
According to Governor Rankin; however, the Auditor General, under the Constitution, is not subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority in the exercise of her functions.
“And I offer my continued support for and confidence in her work,” Governor Rankin stated.
