Director of Audit replies to Leader of Opposition

Director of Audit Leon Snagg has said he is in no position to provide any answers to questions posed to him by Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace.{{more}}

Snagg, in a letter dated October 6, 2009, confirmed that a Special Warrant in the sum of $4 million for the purpose of providing funds for the ‘Yes Vote’ campaign for the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Constitution 2009 had been received at the Audit Office.

He explained that the warrant did not show the particulars of the planned expenditure and as a consequence he was not in a position to provide any answers to questions Eustace posed to him in a letter dated October 5.

In his letter, Eustace expressed his alarm at several aspects of the Special Warrant and asked questions including why the Special Warrant had no details on how the $4 million is to be actually spent; under whose authority are persons allowed to disburse or deposit funds and whether the special warrant can be considered unforeseen expenditure.

Eustace said that he considered the arrangements to be “unusual and highly improper particularly in relation to the details of disbursement,” and asked the Director of Audit to examine the situation at the earliest.

Despite not being able to provide answers, Snagg however reassured Eustace that he will carry out his responsibilities as provided for in the Audit Act. He added that Eustace’s concerns will be “considered accordingly”.