Premier of British Virgin Islands disputes Auditor General's report on COVID-19 Assistance Grants
In a statement given during the debate on the report in the House of Assembly, the Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Dr Natalio Wheatley, has disputed the findings of the Auditor General's report on the examination of the HOA's COVID-19 Assistance Grants.
He expressed his confusion and disappointment with the conclusions, stating that there was no evidence of wrongdoing in the distribution of the grants.
Dr Wheatley accused the Auditor General of including suggestions in the report that were cynical and lacked empathy for the recipients of the grants.
He also criticized the Auditor General for singling out public servants and including their names in the report, suggesting that this was unnecessary and could result in public ridicule and remedies sought by the affected individuals.
The Premier also refuted claims in the report that the Public Finance Management regulations were not applied, arguing that the Auditor General was not an authority in this regard.
He emphasized that the intentions behind the COVID-19 Assistance Grants were pure and aimed at helping those in need during a difficult time.
Despite the criticism, Dr Wheatley acknowledged that there were some areas in the report that required improvement, but he stressed that there was no level of corruption in the distribution of the grants.
The Premier's statement has raised concerns about the accuracy of the report and the Auditor General's methods, and further investigation may be needed to fully understand the situation.
Dr Wheatley accused the Auditor General of including suggestions in the report that were cynical and lacked empathy for the recipients of the grants.
He also criticized the Auditor General for singling out public servants and including their names in the report, suggesting that this was unnecessary and could result in public ridicule and remedies sought by the affected individuals.
The Premier also refuted claims in the report that the Public Finance Management regulations were not applied, arguing that the Auditor General was not an authority in this regard.
He emphasized that the intentions behind the COVID-19 Assistance Grants were pure and aimed at helping those in need during a difficult time.
Despite the criticism, Dr Wheatley acknowledged that there were some areas in the report that required improvement, but he stressed that there was no level of corruption in the distribution of the grants.
The Premier's statement has raised concerns about the accuracy of the report and the Auditor General's methods, and further investigation may be needed to fully understand the situation.
