Auditor General seeks legal clarification on National Hosting Authority spending and procurement for 2023 Pacific Games
The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) is seeking legal clarification over the National Hosting Authority’s (NHA) expenditure and procurement activities for the 2023 Pacific Games. This intention was conveyed to Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele during a recent meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister.
Auditor General David Dennis, Deputy Auditor General Vincent Misi, and contract auditors from KPMG Fiji, partners Anare Manulevu and Sharvek Naidu, met with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and Chairman of the National Hosting Authority, Sir Dr Jimmie Rodgers, at the Prime Minister’s Office to provide an update on the audits of the Pacific Games.
During the meeting, the Auditor General, KPMG Fiji, and the Prime Minister reviewed the progress of the audit into the 2023 Pacific Games. Prime Minister Manele welcomed the progress of the audit and the OAG’s intention to seek legal clarification.
“The audit into the games is closely followed by both the public and Parliament Members, thus I welcome the progress made so far and legal clarification being sought, to ensure the audits are completed and finalized,” said Prime Minister Manele.
The Chairman of the National Hosting Authority and Secretary to the Prime Minister (Special Duties), Sir Dr Jimmie Rodgers, also welcomed the intention to seek legal clarification.
Meanwhile, the OAG and KPMG Fiji expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for supporting the audit process and related initiatives. Auditor General David Dennis emphasized the importance of completing the audits.
“It is critical that the audit reports deliver detailed clear findings and learnings from hosting of significant events such as the Pacific Games. Resolving the applicable legal basis for NHA’s expenditure and procurement activities will ensure both the financial and special audits are finalized and published.”
“We have engaged a Legal Counsel, Mr Gabriel Suri, to represent the Office of the Auditor General, Mr Suri is a former Attorney General, and has previously represented the OAG. The current Attorney General is a Board member of the NHA, thus the need to engage an independent legal counsel to seek legal clarification,” said Auditor General Dennis.
The OAG is one of the key accountability institutions established under the Solomon Islands Constitution. It is mandated to audit and report on the public accounts of Solomon Islands, including all ministries, offices, courts, and authorities of the Government, as well as the governments of Honiara City and all provincial governments.
KPMG Fiji is contracted to provide financial statement audit services to the OAG for calendar periods from 2020 to 2024, together with the special procurement audit.
SOURCE : Office of the Auditor General
