The Tribune

THE Bahamas was among other countries that met in Malta to devise ways of becoming more independent, at the XXII Commonwealth Auditors General Conference held March 24 to 27.

Auditor General Terrance Bastian represented the Bahamas. He was accompanied by Craig Bethel, senior accountant and audit officer.

The triennial event looks at ways to improve the independence of the auditors general and improving the relationship with the Public Accounts Committee of their respective countries.

The theme for the conference was: “Securing Independence of Supreme Audit Institutions to Improve the Effectiveness of Reporting and Communication of Audit Findings.”

About 90 delegates from 38 Commonwealth countries attended the event, which coincided with the 200th year since the establishing of the State Audit Institution (SAI) in Malta in 1814.

Mr Bastian expressed the Bahamas’ position on the Independence of the Office of the Auditor General and the relationship with the Public Accounts Committee, as progressing favourably.

The conference focused on the Independence of the SAIs; the relationship between the Auditor General and the PAC (Public Accounts Committee); the financial autonomy of the SAIs; professional relationship with the media; and the importance of Civil Society in the audit process.

Presenters looked at new strategies to strengthen the independence in identifying audit subject areas, the state of audit independence in the face of national and international challenges, and opportunities and constraints.

Presenters also highlighted techniques, which they use to ensure the work they do is effective, topical, discussed and acted upon by the relevant partners or audiences, and the challenges different audit offices face and how they might be overcome.