Governor Daniel Pruce is steering clear of commenting on the controversial $5 million government deposit made into the now-defunct Bank of Asia, saying he will await the findings of the Auditor General before making any determination.
โWe are awaiting the report of the Auditor General. I think that, for me, is the next step, and it would be inappropriate for me to anticipate anything in advance of the finalisation and publication of the report,โ the Governor told reporters during a press conference on May 7.
After months of public questioning, Premier Natalio Wheatley last month disclosed that former Accountant General Arnold Ainsley authorised the transfer of $5 million in public funds to prop up the Bank of Asia. According to the Premier, Ainsley acted outside the law.
The revelation stemmed from an internal audit commissioned by the Premier. However, then Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn had called for a separate investigation by the Auditor General into the matter.
Premier Wheatley previously stated that once the Auditor General completes the investigation, the special report will be laid before the House of Assembly.
At Thursdayโs press conference, Governor Pruce was pressed on whether he had been asked to examine the matter further, including the possibility of disciplinary action or criminal charges.
โI have seen the internal audit report. No request has been put to me to look into this matter further. We are, of course, still in the position where the Auditor General, a separate institution and separate office, is conducting her own investigations into this matter and, like others, I await that report,โ he stated.
The Governor was also questioned on whether the internal audit concluded that Ainsley acted independently or under instructions from others.
โI am afraid itโs not for me to go into the report. Itโs an internal audit report, it comes within the Ministry of Finance, it sits under the responsibility of the Premier, and itโs not for me to answer,โ Governor Pruce said.
โWe are awaiting the report of the Auditor General. I think that, for me, is the next step, and it would be inappropriate for me to anticipate anything in advance of the finalisation and publication of the report,โ the Governor told reporters during a press conference on May 7.
After months of public questioning, Premier Natalio Wheatley last month disclosed that former Accountant General Arnold Ainsley authorised the transfer of $5 million in public funds to prop up the Bank of Asia. According to the Premier, Ainsley acted outside the law.
The revelation stemmed from an internal audit commissioned by the Premier. However, then Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn had called for a separate investigation by the Auditor General into the matter.
Premier Wheatley previously stated that once the Auditor General completes the investigation, the special report will be laid before the House of Assembly.
At Thursdayโs press conference, Governor Pruce was pressed on whether he had been asked to examine the matter further, including the possibility of disciplinary action or criminal charges.
โI have seen the internal audit report. No request has been put to me to look into this matter further. We are, of course, still in the position where the Auditor General, a separate institution and separate office, is conducting her own investigations into this matter and, like others, I await that report,โ he stated.
The Governor was also questioned on whether the internal audit concluded that Ainsley acted independently or under instructions from others.
โI am afraid itโs not for me to go into the report. Itโs an internal audit report, it comes within the Ministry of Finance, it sits under the responsibility of the Premier, and itโs not for me to answer,โ Governor Pruce said.
Community
Comments
What are your thoughts on this story? Share a respectful comment with the community.
Join the conversation
Your comment will appear after review. Email is only needed if you want reply or conversation notifications.