Home Affairs Minister prejudice ongoing investigation
Benn announces audit under his nose
Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn has announced financial audits of three agencies that fall directly under his purview which once commence, will lead right up the stairs of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Minister while addressing a police gathering on Tuesday announced audits for the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service and Guyana Prison Service. All these agencies directly report to Minister Benn and their respective finance officer report directly to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Very little spending can take place at these agencies without the blessings of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“There will be reviews and audits and investigations in relation to the Guyana Police Force and in relation to the two other agencies, fire and Prisons” Minister Benn told the Tuesday gathering.
Benn launched an almost clear attack on the Guyana Police Force on Tuesday talking about dirty toilets to dogs not walking within the Stabroek Market area. He said there is a procurement problem and that has to be addressed.
“We have a procurement commission, we have an auditor general, accountant general, we have an integrity commission, and other places and persons, all will have to fall in line in relation to cleaning up and tidying up this problem” Stated Benn as he spoke about lapses within the procurement system.
In a clear case of prejudicing an ongoing investigation and seeking to indirectly steer the outcome, the Home Affairs Minister took a swipe at Deputy Commissioner Brutus who was sent off the job to facilitate investigations into alleged financial irregularities. As the investigations continues and without all the facts and evidence properly laid, Benn who has no investigative training has arrived at his conclusion.
“If monies go to places where they should not go, it means there is massive collusion and corruption, that’s the only explanation for it, and if people think they can hide and carry money wherever and whenever and think that we would not find out… you don’t need a doctorate to find out” Minister Benn said.
The Guyana Police Force has been investigating claims of financial irregularities allegations leveled against Deputy Commissioner Brutus. That investigation is being handled by the Special Organised Crime Unit.
