Vexed Bermoothes

It was not long ago that an MP mistakenly referred to the Parliamentary “Public Accounts Committee” (or PAC)  as the “Private Affairs Committee”.

Times change, and the PAC has unanimously voted to open its meetings to the public.  This is a very positive move.

The PAC is currently chaired by the UBP’s Bob Richards.  Other members include Patricia Gordon-Pamplin (UBP), Lovitta Foggo, Walter Lister, and Patrice Minors (PLP).

Thursday’s meeting is at 2.30 p.m. in the Senate chamber.

The PAC is tasked with reviewing the Government accounts and how they tie into expenditures approved by Parliament.  In general, government PACs are intended to focus on the adequacy of the accounts and on “value for money” rather than to comment on the merits of any particular policy.

In order to reinforce the transparency of this important step forward, the PAC should rapidly establish a website with a description of its duties, the schedule of its meetings as well as minutes, attendance records, and other documents related to its work.