Director of audit explains PM travel expenditure

 Director of audit Clarence Christian
Director of audit Clarence Christian

Director of Audit, Clarence Christian, has sought to clarify a report published on DNO concerning advances received by Prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, for his travels from December 2009 “to the present” saying it does not correctly reflect the prime minister’s “actual expense.”

He noted that the advances listed in the report were correct but they did not paint a true picture of the prime minister’s travel expenditure, since the prime minister actually refunded some of the money.

“For example for the period July 1st 2009-June 30th 2011, the PM received advances totalling EC$169,993.71 …out of this he spent $131,870.86 and he refunded EC$ 38,122.85,” Christian explained while admitting that he had audited figures only for 2009 to June 2011.

“So the actual expenditure for the PM on those advances was EC$ 131,870.86,” he pointed out.

Christian also noted that during that time period, the prime minister had traveled but did not get an advance and the treasury had to refund him EC$ 32,086.26.

“So the total travel expenses for the Prime Minister is actually EC$ 163,967.08,” he noted.

Christian explained that the advances are what was given to the Skerrit prior his leaving the island but “when he comes back, he has to retire that advance and when he retires that advance, what amount he spend is recorded as expenditure.”

“If there is a difference he has to refund. Either he refunds the treasury or the treasury would have to refund him. In most instances, I would say about 90 to 95 percent of the time, the treasury have to refund,” he said.

He also explained that in the event that one returns before their time or stays longer, the necessary refunding is done.

Christian also revealed that the grand total in travel advances given to Public officers from July 1st 2009, to June 30th 2011 is EC$ 1,236,569.97.

He said of that amount, EC$967,443.67  was spent and the total amount returned to the treasury from those advances was EC$ 159,656.86.

Christian blamed the absence of a functioning Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for the discrepancy in the prime minister’s travel expenditure.

“If we had a functional PAC, all these information could have been made known to the public,” he noted. “The PAC has not been functioning, and they are the watch dog that should look at the accounts of government … they have the power to call any accounting officer to explain to them certain matters.”

He said he has gone the “extra mile” to purchase a laptop, installing the necessary software on it with an outlet so whenever the PAC meets in the House of Assembly, “I can come. I can just hook it up, and give them viewing access of everything that happens in government.”

“Yet still, they don’t meet … all the information is available to them,” he said.

He noted that normally, the duty of PAC chairman falls on the leader of the opposition. The rest of the Committee is made up of one other member of the opposition and two members on the government side in parliament.

Christian said to his knowledge the last time the PAC met was in 2008.

But opposition leader, Hector John, told DNO that the last PAC meeting was held after the last national budget in July, 2013.

“Clarence is using that as a scape goat because we have been asking a lot of questions on behalf of the PAC and they are not giving us information,” he said. “That is one of the reasons why we saw it as a waste of time to have a PAC.”

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124 Comments

  1. Rastony
    February 3, 2014

    Dem man think people stupid

  2. True Patriot
    February 1, 2014

    the Constitution gave the Leader of the Opposition the duty to chair the Public Accounts Commitee-pure neglect of duty to the citizens so blame no one but yourself

  3. kasava
    February 1, 2014

    Never in our history have we seen people of this calibre heading government departments

  4. Views Expressed
    January 31, 2014

    Can the Director of Audit tell us why the PM was stranded in NY just before Christmas, was it..? ….and is it true that he had to call Ministry of Finance to request a one way ticket home and that it appears delayed his return home…Is it true????
    Did Finance Ministry question this requested request……

  5. Oh Yes
    January 31, 2014

    I have a problem with your late so-called explanation. It has never been a clever idea to take innocent people for a ride. The society is open only on certain matters by selection and closed on other matters. Mr. Christian we are not surprised by your inept defense.

  6. unbelievable
    January 31, 2014

    The treasury has to refund him….ok..So after he live his lavish life,, staying in top class hotels, eating the finest food, taxer-payers have to repay him.

  7. Francisco Telemaque
    January 31, 2014

    I (doh getting into thing eh); nonetheless, as far as I see that man should have simply remain on the whole subject unless he could have given a much clearer explanation. Christian is sort of vague!

    His vagueness makes him appear as if he is not conveying the truth; if its the truth, it will be stated clear enough with nothing which remotely appears distorted. On the other hand Dominicans appreciate the fact it is going to cost the country whenever, prime minister, or any governmental minister travels.

    If they are on business for the country, and that is if they are out there negotiating on the country’s behalf, let’s say looking for investors, and promoting Dominica. In such cases we do not expect the minister to check into a cheap Motel room costing twenty, and fifty dollars per night.

    In the event the ministers, prime minister, or what have you is invited to attend a conference, or any affair in a country as guest of that county one would anticipate that visit should be at the expense of the host country. In any event, class Hotel Rooms are not cheap, we cannot expect our Prime Minister to visit \ America on our nation official business, and check himself into a Motel 6, for sixty ($60,00) dollars per night, and feed on Hamburgers, and French Fries, that would be humiliating.

    I am just an ordinary person, but when I travel across the United States, and Canada, I select the very best and most expensive hotels to check into and spend the night, by so doing I am confident I am sleeping in a well secured place.

    I do not eat fast food, hence I also select the finest restaurants along the way to stop and eat, If I do not se a sign saying restaurant, the kid is not stopping. A good meal can cost near a hundred dollars, I am talking about me alone. Why should the Prime Minister, or the government minister deserves less when they travel on government business?

    Even in Las Vegas, I pay almost three ($300.00) hundred per night for a room, and if you add room service to that because you do not wish to go downstairs to eat, start adding that up. So, if the minister has guests who visits him on business are entertained by him, it is going to cost our country, some big money, once you leave the Caribbean, you have to start counting you expenditures in United States Currency, so if the man checks into a room for three hundred dollars per night, we are talking about EC$810.00 per night just for sleeping, food, and entertainment not included.

    Most of the time I am very hard on these guys, but there must be a give and take here, we must critique within reason, things are very expensive in North America, in Europe, it is even more expensive.

    It is not always thievery! Nonetheless, they should be always be in a position to account, and show proof of how the money was spent, that is not difficult since receipts are obtained even from Taxi drivers.

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  8. Asterix
    January 31, 2014

    The document in the initial release quoted figures from December 2009 to present. Does present not have a date? Why is it that the “date at present” was not highlighted? This would have given us a clearer picture on things because we know for example that skerrit was in China in November of 2013 and this is not included in the figures. Was the “date at present” before November 2013? If it was after that time say December 2013, then where is the China trip?

  9. Malgraysa
    January 31, 2014

    Perhaps Mr. Christan needs reminding that he was appointed by the President so as to warrant his independence an impartiality. He does not report to the Prime Minister and can not be fired except by the President after referral to a Tribunal.
    Please, Mr. Christian act according to your appointment and in accordance with the Constitution.

    • Gary
      January 31, 2014

      Why is it hard to comprehend the truth.You show me where Mr Christian violated the constitution.Mr. Christian is a public servant and I commend him for informing the public regarding the functioning of The Public Accounts Committee (PAC)It should also be noted that his office came under attack regarding it’s integrity regarding the report, does he not have a right to defend his office integrity and correct the misconceptions regarding the authenticity of the travel expense of The PM which was made public.

      Why are you a follower of someone agenda always bring up constitutional augments.Why don’t you file a petition on behalf of the UWP to The President seeking The removal of Mr Christian from office.

    • sz
      February 1, 2014

      May be time for tribunal

  10. Not a herd follower
    January 31, 2014

    Mr. Clarence failed to tell the people that when the PAC requests information from the Permanent Secretaries they do not respond, thereby frustrating the work of the PAC even though the PAC is a creature of the Constitution and they are obligated to provide all the data and information the PAC requests.

    • Anti- Crime
      February 2, 2014

      I suspect you are well informed. :-D

  11. January 31, 2014

    all systems are broken so that the players will get away.take for example closing down of a police station in the extreme north of the island, why would law enforcement do that? people of influence
    need the free port to take care of things.

  12. truthman
    January 31, 2014

    what you defending nor all you have something to hide man. i find you sound so defensive.

  13. Justice
    January 31, 2014

    I was shocked when DNO published Skerrit’s travel allowances for the period 2009- present. Based on Skerrit’s track record, it is very clear that Skerrit is not in the habit of telling the TRUTH. To get anything out of Skerrit, you have to COURT, so when these bogus and disingenuous figures were given so quickly, I knew Skerrit and his operatives and apologists in the ministry were again taking Dominicans for a ride. Skerrit with the help of his sympathizers in the various ministries have now attempted to enforce an iron clad system around the dissemination of information to the Dominican people – Public information which all Dominicans should have access too. They have gone even further to adopt a Nazi type system of keeping everybody in the ministries in check, by having them spy on each other, as to which one is more loyal to the “ Skerrit’s National Socialist” cause. Now having said that, it is easy to put Clarence Christian’s so called excuse into perspective. This was the same apologist who failed miserably when he attempted to explain why Austrie had not paid after 18 reminders; the US$26 million owed to Venezuela under the Petro Caribe agreement. Now in a very shameful and disgusted manner, he is again repeating the same mistake in defense of the“ Skerrit’s National Socialist” cause.

    • Simply the Truth
      January 31, 2014

      No matter what he says and what he does some of you judge and condemn him. Beware that you do not pay for your actions. I feel sorry for people as you.

  14. Tyre hit de road
    January 31, 2014

    :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
    What kind of explanation is that Mr Christian ? Weird story trying to change facts ….WOW!

  15. Anonymous
    January 31, 2014

    U see u see u see…that is why I cannot understand Hector John and them…how u can say is a waste of time to have a PAC…continue to ask the questions even if they don’t respond and bring it to the attention of the public that you have been asking and this is what happening but the PAC not functioning and the onus is on the Opposition to ensure that it functions…I cannot see how all yuh want to get Skerrit out when all yuh not doing the necessary work…shate man…that is why I cannot vote not for UWP neither Labour…bunch of waste of timers!!!

  16. Coco Town
    January 31, 2014

    Mr Christian the truth will set u free when the truth is done with you. Deceivers and phonies in our government.
    The director of audit need to explain to us the disappearance of the Petro Caribe money.

  17. Cerberus
    January 31, 2014

    I still have a problem reconciling mr. Christian’s figures.
    According to the list published on DNO on tuesday, January 28, Mr. Skerrit spent 307 days overseas, on official business during the period Jan.5 2010 – Oct.16, 2013.
    At U.S.$.225/day this would entitle him to out-of-pocket (per diem) allowances of total U.S.$.69.07.00 = E.C.$.187,193..25.
    During that same period he drew cash advances of E.C.$.273,468.19, leaving a discrepancy of E.C.$.86,274.94 i.e. the amount advanced in excess of his “per diem” entitlements.

    Maybe these excess advances would be offset against his actual costs of travel such as hotel accommodation* and flights, which must be reckoned well in excess of his daily allowance, especially since he has apparently a penchant for hotel suites and I doubt that he travels economy class.

    In essence then, we still do not know what the P.M.’s total travel costs were. Secondly, we are not always told the purpose of these “official business” trips. Sometimes it is possible to reconcile the dates with events he attended, mainly from foreign sources but that is not always the case.

    There is one particular visit that raises my curiosity. From 15-20 July, 2011 The M.P. spent 6 days on a trip to the small municipality of Monaco, a well known tax haven for the super rich and a casino resort.
    The peculiar thing is that Dominica has a full-fledged Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary accredited to this miniscule Principality, in the shape of Eric Torner, who also happens to be Dominica’s Ambassador to UNESCO, based in Paris. Mr. Torner was appointed Ambassador to Monaco on Feb. 27, 2009.
    I can not imagine what important relations Dominica could have with Monaco, necessitating Mr. Skerrit to spend such a length of time there. However, the granting of such a high-ranking position to Mr. Torner would bring considerable fiscal benefits to him as well as exempting him from foreign jurisdiction.

    * Mr. Skerrit is disingenuous when inferring that room service comes out of his pocket-allowance as normally this would be signed for and added to the hotel bill, to be settled upon departure, the only cash involvement being a possible tip for the people serving the food, snacks and/or beverages.

  18. awah man
    January 31, 2014

    what about the refunds made to him when the claims were more than the advances he received

  19. dissident
    January 31, 2014

    Leaders lead and de others follow

    Team Dominica declared every 10 cents that they received on their US trip……DLP can’t touch that

    Skerrit try to match up by making a declaration to…….but he does lie so much de Director of Audit telling us some of de info de PM put out is incorrect
    Both de PM and de Auditor in a scheme……… first time I hear somebody on DLP confirm to us that our PM lying

    I waiting to see you try that again……. try to clean that image of yours and pretend you on de public side and you not protecting your PM

  20. Views Expressed
    January 31, 2014

    Mr Director of Audit…….I really wish to know what is your role?
    Here are some questions I need to look into on behalf of Us Dominicans:
    1. Are you aware of the Bin BOBOL
    2. Yes, you are…? Correct? Please investigate
    3. Who initiated the Bin Bobol
    4. Which government minister was directly involved
    5. Was the Procurement policy and procedures adhered to
    6. Was this same policy, 5 above violated
    7. Was there a conflict of interest in that a govt. Minister involved his brother, we understand in Pennsylvania to purchase these city Council bins.
    8. Did the sitting Mayor then of Roseau aware of these transactions and the purchase
    9.Who among government ministers, interest groups was the money distributed to?
    10. After admission of guilt and caught with pants down we were told that the money will be returned, paid back after it was stolen within two (2) weeks, did this happen and why not?
    11. Our money, the States money that was stolen was paid back NOT in two weeks but SIX 9^) MONTHS, why..
    12. Where was that money……where did it go…who managed it, in whose care was it, in whose account it was deposited.
    13 the conflict of interest inflicted in this transaction was an insult and deliberate act of thievery on the people of Dominica`s money, whop is the contact, allegedly that of a minister of government, was involved in this transaction from the USA?
    14. Is that not blatant thievery…..theft
    15. Why was the payment originated form Dominica, to Antigua, to Barbados back to Dominica in the care of a local lawyer and then to the treasury.
    16…And Mr Director are we to just ignore, forget this blatant theft, mafia style business of our scarce resources???

    Do your job sir and represent and protect the people of Dominica .

    Then we will have respect for you and that you really represent Dominica. In absence of that we hold accountable and NOT efficient enough to hold that office and function as such.

  21. CONSCIOUS
    January 31, 2014

    God created everyone including Clarence. We are in 2014. Clarence you are really joking with your information. Why do you need to be caught in lies?

  22. Concerned!!!
    January 31, 2014

    This is so ridiculous!!! Is Mr. Christian saying that the laptop which he bought is the only form of record with regard to these expenditures? Are you also saying that these amounts are spent and that were it not for you taking the initiative, that all that would be available would be the final figures but with no breakdown as to how things were actully spent?? Hmmmmm

  23. Frenz
    January 31, 2014

    Here we go again , blame everybody else and never look at themselves in the mirror. I have heard Hector John requesting such information for many years why only now that.

    • Not a herd follower
      January 31, 2014

      You sit on the Public Accounts Committee?

  24. Lang Mama
    January 30, 2014

    I wish I could tell Mista to look at himself in the mirror and ask whether he is wearing a mask or not. How do these men look at themselves when they remove that mask and

    • Avid Reader
      January 31, 2014

      DNO
      I am exasperated by your inability to vet and delete such derogatory and crass ‘names ‘ from being used.

      We all know that the name used by the commentator is a patois swear term and should not be published.

      DNO tends to allow sensible , logical and polite comments to languish in theiir moderating cycle but allow unacceptable language to be published.
      DNO, please review your moderating policy as it is currently ineffective!

    • Lang Mama
      January 31, 2014

      Please don’t take me wrong – the term mask metaphorical.

  25. JoJo
    January 30, 2014

    Oh Mr. Christian. First the P.M. office presenting a pot full of kaka and now you are making it worse by stirring it. Oh boy, tout bagay-la senti!

  26. Jude Nicholas
    January 30, 2014

    DNO it clearly shows that your news paper has been taken over by haters and desperate men who know that they cannot win an election.

    All that Christian has done in my view is to explain how the travel advance system works in the public service and that the travel advance one receives is not necessarily travel expense.

    He went one to explain according to the article that an advance has to be retired and one may have to refund the treasury of the treasury may have to refund in some instances.

    What has Mr Christian said in the article to raise the wrath of the UWP haters? In what way has he defended Mr. Skerrit in that regard.

    It would be an exercise to compare the travel expenses of Mr Eddison James as Prime Minister and that of Mr. Skerrit over a two year period.

    What the haters cannot take is the prudent manner that the Government is managing the finances of the state so they are on the attack to destroy any one who is talking the truth and giving true information.

    This is a sure sign of desperation on the part of the UWP Supporters. Knowing full well that they cannot win the next general elections so their aim is to destroy everyone whom they think to be in their way.

    How can some people hate their country so much?

    • Lang Mama
      January 30, 2014

      Koo Koo Koo Koooooo :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

    • Mamizoo
      January 30, 2014

      Jude it was Winston Churchill who said that Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened. It is cowards like you who refuse to look at the obstacle that you triped on simply because you are to scared to find out the truth. But keep doing what you do- deceive, lie, steal and karma my friend is going to get you . Karma may be on Morne Daniel but it will get you and karma is an relentless itch – figure out for yourself if it is just an “itch”.

      • Simply the Truth
        January 31, 2014

        If only you were God, eh to know what could happen in the future? :twisted: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted:

    • Greg
      January 30, 2014

      The people who hate their country are the ones raping the country – the bin bobolists, thieving passport vendors’ diplomatic status vendors, and those who prefer see the people beg at the red clinic and in Vielle Case. What about those who are drawing huge salaries as advisors for doing nothing. What about those who try to convince us that politics is not about truth; what about those who falsify tax documents on land purchase deal; what about those who file injunction against the IRD and that injunction is in the court system for more almost ten years.

    • Simply the Truth
      January 31, 2014

      They do not only hate the country, they have projected that they hate other human beings, their own nationals and this is bad for them. They depict they have no love for God. How can they ever be successful?
      The Lord said: “Love one another as you love yourself.” They are not even practicing and fulfilling the Word and teaching of the Lord. This is being disobedient to God Himself. They have depicted that they have no love for God.
      They go to church, they praise the Lord and in some cases listen to Bible reading and someone explaining it to them yet they lack genuine Christianity and love for one another. God is watching from above!

      • Mamizoo
        January 31, 2014

        Karma -means action, work or deed;[1] it also refers to the principle of causality where intent and actions of an individual influence the future of that individual.

        Why you change from Truth and Justice to ” simply The Truth” – SMH.

    • January 31, 2014

      The Country does not do anything you know..It is who, is given the responsibility to Govern it. :( :(

    • Views Expressed
      January 31, 2014

      Jude .Nicholas , are you living in Dominica, this island where we the people are suffering

      Just like the government in power, “it is best to be thought of as a fool than to open your mouth and reveal the truth as who you really are….”

      • Simply the Truth
        February 1, 2014

        Dominicans are suffering? What an exaggeration. You do not know what poverty is and a genuine one to reside in poverty.
        It is quite the opposite what I read and hear of. You do not know how fortunate you are, ungrateful one and to God.
        You should be residing in some South American countries, even North America including Africa, India and other such countries.
        Are you healthy? Are you starving? What you have and are enjoying are as much and more than some people do not have. Some are ill, bed-ridden, unable to walk, to see and are in pain and suffering. What would they not give to be healthy?
        Get down on your knees and thank God for small mercies and even great ones. Be grateful for what you have and cease griping lest God punish you right where you are.

    • Morihei Ueshiba
      January 31, 2014

      @Jude u don’t want to work hard to earn a living, u want to get freeness all your life, shame on you, u have children. :(

    • awah man
      January 31, 2014

      jude or judas are you sure that is a true reflection of the advances received and these are the countries travelled too.

    • For Richer Or Poorer
      February 1, 2014

      It shows the Opposition Leader is not doing what he is suppose to do. So he wants to blame someone because he cannot do his job. Once again the UWP shows Dominicans they are unable to lead the country not even a single committee as per the constitution.

      How can they lead the country? They will blame us the voters. We cannot make a mistake and vote them in, they will tell us we knew they we incapable and yet we voted them. So we must help them and take at least two more seats.

      21 to 0 next election.

  27. Ordit
    January 30, 2014

    Dominicans, right-thinking Dominicans, honest righteous brothers and sisters do not believe for one moment the defence of his king PM.

    Which Constitution gives the Director of Audit the right to defend PM so openly, when an incomplete report was given. Presentation was so poor. The man simply put on his political cap, contradicting himself in the process.

    Anybody who go to school could see through his disjointed incomplete defence. No mention was made regarding cost of airfares and hotels when PM travelled.

    The cabalists are well placed to defend, at the click of a finger, and show their colours.

    . Did the amount reach in the Treasury? What about all the Rubbish bin and Fertilizer bobol monies? Questions have been asked in Parliament but no answers. Is something happening why PM only now giving info about his travels? That one is our “damn’ business?

    Mr. PM respect the IPO Commission and agree to be interviewed, as they asked you to, re. your assets you declared to them.

    • ***
      January 30, 2014

      sacre sot. the figures presented includes all what you are asking

      • ghetto voice
        February 3, 2014

        alas.poor thing. sot and u dont know it

    • Simply the Truth
      January 31, 2014

      This is a report you should not have had privy to for you are not in authority.

      • Simply the Truth
        February 1, 2014

        :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

  28. Long Tongue
    January 30, 2014

    Way lala look mr Christian found himself in hot water for de pm well sir your ….Is Grass

    • Osanna Mowanga
      January 30, 2014

      Christian, you lying just like Skerrit.
      Man speak the truth. The truth will set you free.
      All u really think all Dominicans are dummies eh?

  29. Not Me Alone
    January 30, 2014

    Mr. Christian, please tell us what you know about this statement made by Mr. Skerrit: UPDATE: Clear Harbor to expand and create 400 jobs
    Dominica News Online – Wednesday, January 29th, 2014 at 11:46 AM “Meantime Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, who said that he had to cut short his trip to a summit in Cuba, described the news as exciting.”
    Mr. Christian, my sources are telling me that the real reason behind Skerro cutting his trip to Caba short has nothing to do with Clear Harbour, since his minister of employment could handle that; but rather it was to help you put the twist and spin the wheel on the explanation you gave. Is that true? I have a few more question for you sir but will wait a little later.

    • Anonymous
      January 31, 2014

      “Meantime Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, who said that he had to cut short his trip to a summit in Cuba, described the news as exciting.”

      where in your quote does it show that he cut his trip because of clear harbour.. from what I got, due to the fact that he cut his trip DNo was able to get the quote.

      • Not Me Alone
        February 3, 2014

        @Anonymous, that’s how leaders that are not transparent behave. Because they always hiding in the dark they take pleasure in giving bogus and incomplete statements just as seen in his report where he only used dollar signs and failed to tell us if he was referring to $USD or $ECD. Why did he not say why he had to cut his trip short? Is there something he running away from? Did any of his loved ones die? If the nation pays for your trip to Cuba why just make a sudden uturn without telling the nation why?

  30. rainbow
    January 30, 2014

    Hey people, I knew that was comming. Claro new function is damage control but the damage cannot be controlled. It too far gone.

    • Simply the Truth
      January 31, 2014

      Some of you do not think straight. :twisted:

      • Views Expressed
        January 31, 2014

        Simple the Truth That’s because the whole system of governance in Dominica is corrupt, crocked, devious and unprofessional.
        The Prime Minister and his Team cannot be trusted, they have not gained my trust nor that of the people of Dominica,they have bought this trust……cheaply by insulting poor people, vulnerable people and those in need.

  31. Not Me Alone
    January 30, 2014

    DNO, I wish the headline of this article was: Clarence Christian took one for the team. That’s exactly what he did as a good teammate. Mr. Christian, I commend you for putting your reputation in dispute in other to protect the PM.
    Mr. Christian, I have known Mr. Skerrit for a very long time and as a former party supporter I know how he operates. Sir, Mr. Skerrit spent a long time preparing this document. You did not just get up one morning and decided to put out the information that DNO published yesterday. Sir, before ANYTHING about Skerrit goes out especially where money is concerned, both he and members of his legal team spend a lot of time studying the information just to make sure everything is in perfect harmony. The fact that he okeyed it and members of his team okeyed it is proof that they were all satisfied that it answered all their concerns. Now although it took you all months to put together, hours after DNO released it and the experts began to question certain things, all of a sudden you had to run back to clear the air. Who are you all fooling?

  32. Plan Dominque
    January 30, 2014

    The Director of Audit simply reinforced what is wrong with governance in this country. He is paid to audit and report to the people the accuracy of spending information with respect to govt. activities. he fails to do his work and when the people speculate and assume he comes and blame us for doing so. Mr Christian are we paying you to protect Mr Skeritt or to protect the revenue of this country from rape of politicians?

    • Bogoroy
      January 31, 2014

      “He is paid to audit and report to the people the accuracy of spending information with respect to govt. activities.”

      But this is what the man did above. He informed you of the PM’s travel expenses for a specific period. SO, why do you still say that the Auditor “fails to do his work?”

      Thanks to the Auditor, it is clear that the Leader of the Opposition has dropped the ball on shedding light on government spending and holding the Skerrit administration accountable. SO, who is working and who is not working now???

  33. Malgraysa
    January 30, 2014

    it is now clear to me that Mr. Clarence refers only to cash advances in respect of the figures previously guoted, as I snuspected.. It is unlikely that Mr. Skerrit would pay for hotels and air travel out of the advances. For a start they simply would not be eough and secondly hotels and airlines prefer credit cards, which I’m sure Mr. Skerrit has – if you don’t book a hotel with a credit card for instance you would have to pay up front and not be allowed to make even a telephone call, order room service or even use use the the mini bar. What is the real cost of Mr. Skerrit’s travel (the total cost including hotels, air fares etc.) for the same periods? That is what we really would like to know and please, don’t fob us off!¬

    • Bogoroy
      January 31, 2014

      When your blue boys attend parliament and ask questions, according to House rules, you and i will get answers to these stupid questions that you claim to be asking.

      Tell your lazy boys to get to the House, ask questions, and stay there. This is what we pay them to do. This is where the real questions are asked and answered and debated, NOT on DNO, NOT on Q95, not on Facebook!

      • Roy Williams
        February 3, 2014

        Why bother asking questions in Parliament. It took the Leader of the Opposition approximately three years to get an answer as regards the Prime Minister’s travels. After all those years, the report appears to be bogus.

  34. Not Me Alone
    January 30, 2014

    Is that the same Clarence Christian that defended the Red Clinic? If yes, then I will not even listen to anything he has to say because as a Laborite that voted and supported this DLP from 2000-2009, I know better. If the man could have the guts to tell Dominicans that the RED Clinic is transparent and does not give cash handouts, what else will he not say? I have many DLP friends I know that left the RED CLINIC WITH DRY CASH and we even laughed at Clarence when he told that lie in 2012.

    No Cash handouts – Christian
    Dominica News Online – Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012 at 9:08 AM

    Direct of Audit Clarence Christian

    No cash handouts, and the process is a transparent one where proper accountability is practiced.

    These are two of the key points being made by Director of Audit Clarence Christian about the Public Support Programme dubbed RED CLINIC by its critics.

  35. British Dominican
    January 30, 2014

    Lord have mercy. No wonder public officers are unable to get a salary increase. These people are bleeding the poor country. Judgement

    • Simply the Truth
      January 31, 2014

      You believe all the negative comments? If you do, you are naive. Ask them how much income tax do they contribute to the revenue of the country. If they reside in Dominica and they do not contribute, they have no say in this.

  36. Respect
    January 30, 2014

    so the opposition dont go to the PAC meetings whats new..these guys dont go to the house which they get paid to go and represent the people. think the same people will want you to represent them as a Government.. Not happening !!!!!

    • Simply the Truth
      January 31, 2014

      …And they are the biggest and loudest critics. So much for them.

  37. ##D.A.##.
    January 30, 2014

    Some one drop the ball, funny all sorts of things are happening, tell me more, cause I suspect our hard owned $$$$$ some are swimming with them. OH it will hurt to learn that our treasure is again left empty. WE go see! # Dominica we sorry.#.

    • Simply the Truth
      January 31, 2014

      How much of your hard earned dollars? Try working harder and efficiently that you will contribute more to the revenue to fill it up.

      • Malgraysa
        January 31, 2014

        Please lady, stop pontificating from your chair in Canada. What do you know about what goes on on the ground in Dominica? Come down to experience the grayay for yourself.

  38. Erasmus B. Black
    January 30, 2014

    It’s no wonder that the Dear Leader has placed in charge of the Audit Department, an individual he can trust – an alleged card-carrying member of the Dominica Labour Party. But who best to investigate the disappearance of chickens from the hen house than the fox anyway? It ought to be illegal for anyone working in the position of Director of Audit to be actively involved in party politics.

    It is very clever of the Audit Director to refer to everything in EC dollars when the SRO itself is quoted in US dollars. We are not surprised though, because it appears that integrity and ethics may have gone the way of the mountain chicken a long time ago. It’s almost guaranteed that a comprehensive audit (not selective audit) done by an independent auditor would probably reveal that the statement released by the Dear Leader is but the tip of the travel iceberg.

    • Anonymous
      January 30, 2014

      Yer Brain Mus B.Black too. Why don’t you ask the leader of the opposition if he nominated anyone, even himself, to the Public Accounts Committee for the period July 2013 to July 2014? There is NO functioning public accounts committee right now. AMEN

      • Erasmus B. Black
        January 30, 2014

        Thank you kindly Mr/Ms Anonymous. Dr. Oz says that visually, the interior of the brain consists of areas of so-called grey matter with a dark colour…” Therefore if my “Brain Mus B Black” it means that I have a normal and fully functioning brain that knows that the Director of Audit is talking nonsense in blaming the Public Accounts Committee and attempting to pull the wool over our eyes for figures that are clearly in US dollars.

        The Public Accounts Committee examines reports produced by the Director of Audit among others. Would their regular meetings prevent or lessen the Dear Leader’s travel expenditure? As the Minister for Finance the buck stops with him. Literally. For the first time in the history of Dominica, we have an Auditor who insists on making excuses for and publicly defends a government and who is also allegedly blatantly engaged in political activities. Now he is playing the blame game. Blaming other parties is the typical response of the bully who wants to brag and prate about power and being “in charge” and then tries to fob off responsibility on other parties when things go wrong.

  39. Anonymous
    January 30, 2014

    This makes me sick because these people keep insulting our intelligence.

  40. Tj
    January 30, 2014

    Can we publish the names of this infamous committee?

  41. ????????
    January 30, 2014

    Public Accounts Committee do your work. Too much talking and no action.
    Hector as Leader of the Opposition, you are the chairman .. meet and stop distorting the truth. The laptop is there waiting for you so do what you have to do and report.

    • Respect
      January 30, 2014

      he cant facebook time is much more important.. dont forget they boycott the House soo there you go

    • Anonymous
      January 30, 2014

      Mister doh put nobody on Public Accounts Committee dis year. It doh have no PAC right now.

    • Malgraysa
      January 31, 2014

      Skerrit has emasculated that Committee as he has the IPO and the Electoral Commission, Correction: we let it happen,so we must correct it at the next election.

  42. Lougaoo Mem
    January 30, 2014

    We always get confused with conflicting stories, especially when it comes with spending taxpayers money, and pertaining to the concerned….
    Lougawoo’s problem is, once he’s lied to over and over again, he has zero credibility in the players. That’s all for now. Thanks!

    • Anonymous
      January 31, 2014

      That is exactly what I was thinking of uwp and their supporters.

  43. Anonymous
    January 30, 2014

    What would have happened if the patriots were not putting pressure, advocating against the famous illegal Bin Bobol? How much $$$$$$$$$$$$$ exactly did the culprits take from our Treasury, nuh to buy Rubbish bins at an inflated price just to make $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ for themselves?

    Did the Director of Audit ever informed the people? Did he ever express concerns about that secret deal? Think of it.

    Now that same man comes out to defend, defend, defend? So who put out that kind of report? So the people were not told exactly what happened re. expenses, advances, whatever? How long ago that question was asked of the PM? Drowning men will catch any straw.

    • Razor
      January 31, 2014

      You not reading man?! Or, maybe dem blue sunglasses are obscuring your vision. Your “PATRIOTS” eh doing the work they are paid to. That “pressure” that you think they are putting on the government it eh working because they spend too much time using the wrong channels to put the pressure. Facebook, Q95, Pat Aaron, et al…dat doh have weight!!

      Read, idiot….if your patriots were working the PAC would have captured anby abuse by government ministers. Read!!!!

  44. WOW
    January 30, 2014

    The truth is I hold everyone responsible. You Me. Christian and PAC. PAC consists of members of the Govt. and oposition. That tells you of how lazy some of our leaders are?

  45. Too Late
    January 30, 2014

    WEH WEH WEH look coshoneee in Dominica. These men really take Dominicans for fools

  46. dafriend
    January 30, 2014

    Never in my entire life have I heard such a ‘cock-and-bull’ story. This man should be thrown out of his office as soon as possible. Clearly he has not got a clue. To make matters worse he is trying to blame the fiasco on PAC and ultimately on the leader of the opposition. All I can say, Skerrit yet again put himself in a very embarrassing position. Fellow Dominicans, if we only knew half of what that so called PM has been getting up to in the last 15 years the entire nation would cry and ask themselves how they let all this happen for so long.

  47. JoJo
    January 30, 2014

    Poor Mr. Christian. They are rolling him out again to explain the inexcusable. Damage done already Mr. Christian, not your fault. I Not sarcastic mr. Christian, I realy do feel sorry for you.

  48. January 30, 2014

    :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: them people tink we stupid use your surname properly clarence

    • Neutral
      January 31, 2014

      We cannot handle the truth. We Dominicans can only see things along political line. We are doomed.

  49. I Like Dominica Big
    January 30, 2014

    Leader of the Opposition is the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee he should tell us exactly what the figures are.

    Should there be any doubt in ones mind Mr. JOHN should clarify. Anything to the contrary from Mr. John is incompetency.

    • Anonymous
      January 31, 2014

      Mr. John has always seem to drop the ball where his duties are concerned. This is very troubling. This function should be seen as a priority.

  50. zagayan
    January 30, 2014

    DNO will not print what I want to say about that Director of Audit..

    • Simply the Truth
      February 1, 2014

      If you are respectful, DNO will print it. Therefore, mind your manners and words and know, free to agree and disagree amicably. It is something you should learn and to practice. Too many lack them. :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

  51. natural dominican
    January 30, 2014

    plz, someone, tell me what exactly did this guy clarify

  52. January 30, 2014

    well dominicans can do d maths use your surname properly be honest dont lie for skerrit or skerrita.we are smart people clarence.

  53. african queen
    January 30, 2014

    Papa mait I never hear things like that. Total chaos, confusion.Lenox make fast and deliver us with Dr. Fontain as our Finance minister. we cannot wait to put the wrong right. The peace of God be with Team Dominica.

  54. rescue 911
    January 30, 2014

    liar,liar.pants on fire

  55. Doc. Love
    January 30, 2014

    Mr. Christian, it is better to be considered a fool, then to open your mouth and remove all doubts. For many years the Prime Minister, Ministers of Government have been travelling, questions have been asked, not one time you have given the public an explanation. It took Mr. Hector John, Leader of the Opposition, two years to get a report as regards Skeritt’s travels. Christian knew there was a request because it was made in Parliament, he showed no interest and now he is playing the blame game. Dominicans cannot forget Ambrose’s problems with retired advances, we never heard from Christian, therefore, what is the interest this time. You see this gentleman called Lennox Linton, he must be the Moses of Dominica, because where ever he goes and when ever he opens his mouth the people get a feeling of hope, a feeling of confidence.

  56. Good-to-go
    January 30, 2014

    Shame on you Mr. auditor to allow the PM to put out false accounting information to the public.

    It is your responsiblitity, as Director of Audit, to vet this information before it goes out to the public. Did you even do an audit on these figures?

  57. Frank Talker
    January 30, 2014

    I find this very unethical for the Audit Department, i.e., the external Auditors of the State’s funds, to want to clarify and justify public spendings. This is not the duty of the Auditor! This is for the Accounting Officers in the PM’s Office to clarify! The Audit Department looks at records of monies spent and attempts to determine whether the spendings were done in conformity with the necessary legislation and authority. The Director is out-of-place to take the role of the Treasury and Accounting Officers and try to explain away the PM’s spendings. The decision to spend those monies was not made by the Audit Department! Nor can the Audit Department influence how much is spent or how much is returned to the Treasury. Mr Christian has broken the separation between State and Auditor. He needs to go back to the Constitution and assess his role. To a significant extent, the Audit Department is outside the whims and fancies of Ministers and even Parliament. The Constitution protects that Department so the officers there can do there wok without fear. To come in public and explain the prudence of the PM’s spendings is of poor taste.

  58. 4u2C
    January 30, 2014

    Christian we in 2014!!!U talking about records of 2009-2011; Did you say u have a computer? Dominicans must be a bunch of fools to swallow that stone tablet. Please come out from under the ROCK u living. You all refuse to give the PAC information when they ask for it, speaker does not want the opposition to ask any questions and now in 2014 u giving this bogus report.

    ..Christian, this is TREASON!!!

  59. gwaj
    January 30, 2014

    Bondieu Dominicans negative. You don’t have to support the party but can’t we try to be positive towards our Government. Every news item is a negative vibes on the Government. It is sad. Leave the campaign for election time. Skerrit is one of us. If you don’t like him, vote him out, simple. No need to be negative and spew vitriol on each and every article and mentioning the man’s name like he is public enemy #1. Can’t we just get along?

    • Anonymous
      January 31, 2014

      No we cannot

  60. web
    January 30, 2014

    The PM should have an open check book or a credit card.the Idea of reembursting the PM for moneys spent from trips abroad is lack of transparancy…

  61. Anonymous
    January 30, 2014

    But what is really wrong with you blue supporters nuh??? You guys suppose to head the public accounts committee. The opposition Parliamentarians collect a paycheck every month yet for YEARS they failed to show up to parliament yet none of you asked them to refund the treasury for collecting monies from the State while not performing their duties. But is the PM all you after, a man who through his travels has brought back MILLIONS OF GRANT MONIES to the country??? WICKED PEOPLE ALL YOU BE!!! Do the cost-benefit analysis, then go talk to Team Dominica what they have brought back from their travels to all of you blue idiots who keep on giving them your monies in contributions!!!

    • Views Expressed
      January 31, 2014

      Anonymous, it really shows you have nothing of merit to write about.
      The blue money of Team Dominica Is NOT tax payers money..it did not come from the treasury, it is NOT bin BOBOL money to pay back……stick to the issue, stay focus…
      The Blue money is well accounted, it is private party money. Money Skerrit spent and given by the state is my money and yours and has to be publicly accounted for.
      You hanging around with these corrupt government for to long, so cannot even see blue and decency in good governance when it is there…
      CHANGE IS MUST…….GOD BLESS

    • prisca
      February 2, 2014

      I couldn’t agree with you more. Growing up I always hear the old folks say, becareful what you wish for. If they want UWP they can have them.
      But it won’t be long before the Dominica Parliament will be like Capitol Hill in Washington DC where all the Republicans do is set up committees to investigate and do nothing to improve the lives of the people who can’t help themselves.

      Regardless of how one feels about the PM we are not the worst of in the world. There are countries with more resources than we have yet they live in greater poverty than we do.

      We complain about the state of our agriculture. Yet I see the Haitains who some people hate so much farm these same agricultural lands and sell their produce at the market to feed their familiies and even send money back to Haiti to help other family members.
      Our people have become too complacent and dependent on government. The fingers are pointed in the wrong direction. Start pointing it at ourselves.

      This is for the UWPites, you call yourselves the morality police and pillars of justice and truth.

      Stop postng comments like they came from disgruntled labourites. Since you all are so honest and so confident you are going to win the next election, just be yourselves and let the electoral process take effect.

  62. shaka zulu
    January 30, 2014

    Smdh. Only in dominica. I like the way you blame the opposition leader there at the end. I am nor going to waste my time highlight your failings cause you have said it all.
    Mr. Auditor if i were u i would resign my post. Since the doc came out i has realy hoping to see a story saying they were false documents that some crazy uwp person put out there for propaganda. For you to confirm they are real and incorrect with an explanation that makes no more sense thab the document is a shame.

    I feel sorry for my country. Unused money should be returned not refunded. I am more confused

  63. Anonymous
    January 30, 2014

    I wish these people would realise that most of the dominican public are educated can add and also know when they are being lied to, this is just ridiculous .

    • ah ha
      January 30, 2014

      Yet none of you apply for those jobs that you think you can do better?

      What is the highest level of education attained for the majority Dominicans? In what fields? Average scores?

      Please understand too that attending school doesn’t make you educated!

      • YOLO
        January 31, 2014

        Im glad u said that ‘attending school doesnt make you educated’ cause The DLP wanted to make a big sine about Mr. Lintons educational achievement!!…….OHHHHH or does that not matter now!????

  64. Bogoroy
    January 30, 2014

    Thank you Mr. Christian.

    DNO: “Christian blamed the absence of a functioning Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for the discrepancy in the prime minister’s travel expenditure.”

    :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

    • Roy Williams
      January 30, 2014

      Typical labor supporter, they live , sleep, eat and excrete the blame game. :lol:

  65. Ben Dover
    January 30, 2014

    But Clarence not easy…he has audited reports for just 2009 to June 2011 and he wants to clarify.

    What about reports for July 2011 to the present?

    It appears Clarence is not doing his job.

    • ?
      January 30, 2014

      Did you expect anything different from Clarance? I FOR SURE DID NOT.

  66. Shameless
    January 30, 2014

    :lol: :lol: :lol: Mr. Christian please STOP the fibbing! your sudden appearance in defense of the indefensible makes me feel like puking. “If” I were you I would start keeping proper records somewhere for the time is drawing neigh when all shall give account for the rape and pillage perpetuated on Ma Dominique. But rest assured sir that Change Must Come because i is NOT an option.

    Assertive, NOT Agressive!

    • >>>>>>>>>>>
      January 30, 2014

      Another one appears. These are the peopole who have teamed up against our country, AND HAVE DECLARED WAR ON IT. Clarance will even say to us Skerrit never travels. .
      SHAME ON YOU CLARANCE.

    • Respect
      January 30, 2014

      :( 8-O :-?

  67. Massacre
    January 30, 2014

    Christian, how can you be the Director of Audit and you are guessing as to the last time the POC met? ” some time in 2008?”
    However you are ging figures beyond that time!
    Please do the right thing and come clean, because due to all that travelling Skerro is making we have seen that the teasury will be empty when this guy lost the elctions.

    • non
      January 30, 2014

      don’t blame Christian for not remembering. Blame the committee for not meeting

      • Secrets Kill
        January 30, 2014

        No…Blame Dominicans for not having a system in place to hold folks accountable when they aren’t doing their jobs!

        It should not be between Clarence and the Opposition as to whether or not the PAC met. This should be documented actions with meeting minutes filed away and when not conducted the public should be made aware and some repercussion should ensue.

        It doesn’t matter who is in gov’t or opposition, business needs to be done, and folks need to understand that its not all about politics, its about governance. Shouldn’t the media have a report after every PAC meeting to share with the public, and if not, or if the info isn’t being given to the PAC they speak up about it and ask the authorities in charge to step in and clean up shop?

        And how can an auditor not have audits for the past 2 years?!

        Come on Dominica…the more I hear the more I realize why our country is so far behind our OECS counterparts. Its not about DLP or UWP its about broken systems that need to be fixed. We seem to be leaving an open door for anyone in Governance to step in and abuse. If the opposition didn’t ask for travel docs, we would never know that a serious accountability function was failing to take place!

  68. Thinker
    January 30, 2014

    Sing for your Supper!

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