Press Statement On Publication Of Remaining Coi Audits

From Governor Of The British Virgin Islands

Mr Daniel Pruce

I am pleased to confirm the remaining audits completed as part of the Commission of Inquiry were laid in the House of Assembly on 3^rd September and are now publicly accessible on www.auditbvi.com. These audits, relating to COVID-19 assistance grants and government contracts over $100k, include:

• Audit of assistance grants for farmers and fisherfolk
• Audit of the transportation stimulus initiative
• Audit of grants to religious institutions, civic groups, private schools and daycare services
• Audit of grants to micro, small and medium sized enterprises
• Audit of major contracts

While some of the programmes “operated as intended” and “served to alleviate some of the costs associated with the COVID-19 fallout”, the audits also identified a number of concerns including on transparency, eligibility and overspends.

The audit of major contracts found that the previous procurement framework was “inherently flawed” as it “allowed for circumvention”. The audit identified the “need for balance and equity in the award of public contracts”. The report states that the “new procurement legislation and regulations address many of the previous issues” but stresses the importance of “adequate oversight and strict compliance”.

Crucially, in some areas, lessons have already been learned. Assistance grants are now managed by the Social Development Department, and the Public Assistance (Amendment) Act 2024 seeks to introduce a modern and effective system for supporting those in need. There have been improvements in the way government contracts are issued, and procurements are now regularly advertised.

Audits play a vital role in ensuring value for money and accountability in the use of public money. They are only effective in doing so if the public are aware of the findings and the relevant agencies respond constructively. Although the audits identify challenges, it is important that we now collectively focus on strengthening our institutions to improve the way we work in the future.

I want to thank the Auditor General for her continued commitment to good governance in the Virgin Islands.