Auditor General Pushes for Greater Independence and Oversight

Auditor General Maria Rodriguez says she is hoping for greater independence for her office, allowing it to carry out its oversight responsibilities more effectively and without unnecessary limitations.  Rodriguez raised the issue today during a workshop titled “Office of the Auditor General Belize: Independence Beyond the Legal Framework.” The session examined whether the Office has the practical authority, administrative freedom and resources needed to properly scrutinize public spending.  While the Office’s independence is recognised in law, the workshop looked beyond those legal provisions to examine the operational challenges that could affect its ability to function as an effective and independent public institution.

Rodriguez delivered presentations on the impact of independence on the Office and a proposed way forward. She also joined Benjamin Fuentes Castro of the INTOSAI Development Initiative in presenting information prepared for Cabinet.  Castro provided an international perspective on the standards that should guide independent audit institutions. He also examined Belize’s audit laws and their implications for the Office’s independence.  Rodriguez spoke about the outcomes she hopes will emerge from the workshop, including greater understanding and support for measures that would strengthen the Office.

Maria Rodriguez, Auditor General: “We got a consultant to help us from the INTOSAI Development Initiative to assist us on moving forward with the legislation that we have now. I would like to see a more independent office of the Auditor General. What does that entail? It entail some legal reforms, for example submitting of my reports to the public without waiting for a tabling from the Minister of Finance. So that is something that we’re discussing today in this event, having my management team with me understanding why is the need for independence important. It will be a whole culture change because we’re used to normally just being at the back as auditors and we just submit the work. But now what we’re trying to do is to ensure that the public gets to find out all those audits that we’ve done since ’17, ’18 onwards and we have work to present. It’s just that we are limited due to the finance and audit reform act. So let me put it out there very clear. It’s not that the office cannot do its work. The office is very capable, has the capacity to get the work done. However, there are some constraints like financial and personnel constraints. I depend on line ministries to get my finances and to get my personnel employed. I am trying to collaborate with both Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Public Service. I can say that since I took over there’s a lot of collaboration between us but there’s still a lot to do.”

Reporter: You’re also going to be presenting a cabinet paper, is that regarding the same more independence? 

Maria Rodriguez, Auditor General: “Yes, what we are starting to work on it is part of our strategic plan. If you ever have time to check our website we have our strategic plan there. We are planning to submit a cabinet paper requesting for change to be able to submit our work without waiting for an annual statement submission.”

The Office of the Auditor General is responsible for examining government expenditure, identifying weaknesses in public financial management and reporting its findings to the National Assembly. Its work is considered essential to ensuring accountability in the use of taxpayers’ money.  The workshop also focused on practical measures that could provide the Office with the institutional support needed to perform its responsibilities more efficiently and independently.  The session concluded with a discussion on the way forward led by Rodriguez and closing remarks from Deputy Auditor General Edeldi Ayala./