Transport Ministry Revenue Climbs Amid Probe Into Missing Funds

The Ministry of Transport has reported an increase in revenues at its Spanish Lookout office following the implementation of new security protocols. The changes were put in place after an internal audit revealed a substantial amount of money, initially reported as over $80,000, was missing. However, despite the audit and subsequent criminal investigation, no one has been criminally charged yet. The criminal investigation, which was launched after the audit, is still awaiting action from the police. According to a CEO in the Ministry of Transport, Chester Williams, the police file was sent back by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further investigation, and the DPP is waiting for the police to resubmit it.

Chester Williams, CEO, Ministry of Transport: “We’re still awaiting the police on that matter and other matters that we have reported to the police.  I believe that they are carrying out the investigation. Once that is done, the file goes back to the DPP and then we see what instruction will be given from there. I’m happy to say that the Auditor General’s Office have commenced the auditing of the Spanish Lookout DOT office and we’re seeing good results so far. I can say to you that for the first six months of this year revenue went up by in some cases 103 % and in other cases 87%. So it shows that a shift that we have made with Spanish Lookout is yielding greater revenue for the government.”

In parallel with the criminal investigation, the Ministry has initiated an internal disciplinary process. The CEO has issued “show cause” letters to the employees concerned, giving them a chance to explain themselves before any disciplinary action is taken. The internal audit found discrepancies in which the amount written on a receipt did not match the amount recorded in the system, suggesting a deliberate scheme.  The CEO has also taken proactive steps to prevent similar incidents. He has ordered a complete audit of the entire Transport Department to determine if other offices have been affected. Additionally, the new measures put in place at the Spanish Lookout branch have reportedly led to a significant increase in revenue, which the CEO attributes to the improved security and accountability.