Subscribe Login
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • International
      • #
    • Business
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup 2022
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • International
      • #
    • Business
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup 2022
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
  • Home
  • News
  • Latest
  • Business
  • Cartoon
  • Games
  • Food Awards
  • Health
  • Entertainment
    • Bookends
  • Regional
  • Sports
    • Sports
    • World Cup
    • World Champs
    • Olympics
  • All Woman
  • Career & Education
  • Environment
  • Webinars
  • More
    • Football
    • Letters
    • Advertorial
    • Columns
    • Editorial
    • Supplements
  • Epaper
  • Classifieds
  • Design Week
FLA head, auditor general in stand-off over $8m paid to terminate contracts in 2017
MONROE ELLIS... Mr Dalling has documented his views on this matter, and I have documented mine
News
July 15, 2021

FLA head, auditor general in stand-off over $8m paid to terminate contracts in 2017

The leadership of the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) and the Government’s chief auditor remain at a stalemate over the termination of the foxed term contracts of five employees in 2017, at a cost of $8.4 million.

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the FLA was urged to seek advice from the Attorney General’s Chambers on the issue, notwithstanding having engaged private counsel.

During the PAC meeting, Auditor General Pamela Monroe Ellis maintained, as she did in her 2019/20 annual report to Parliament, that the termination benefits to the employees were in excess of the amounts due under their employment contracts.

She said the termination arrangements breached fixed term contract policy guidelines and that the Ministry of Finance had not authorised the adjustments to contracts to facilitate the payout.

Monroe Ellis noted that the FLA paid the former employees notice pay ranging from three to 20 months, and gratuity without the requisite performance evaluations.

But head of the FLA, Shane Dalling, told PAC that its parent ministry —the Ministry of National Security — knew from the start, the arrangements that were being made to terminate the contracts.

Dalling argued that the terminations had been amicable and legal.

“We decided, based on certain circumstances, to separate with employees because of what was taking place at a particular time in the life of the entity. We decided to do so in what we view as an amicable way, based on what we were faced with at the time,” said Dalling.

He said based on independent legal advice, the FLA’s management was guided by the fixed term contract policy, which says contracts may be amended by mutual agreement to facilitate changes in their terms and conditions of employment.

“The funds stated in that agreement were the exact amounts paid out by the FLA,” said Dalling.

But Monroe Ellis was firm in her insistence that the monies should be repaid.

“In this matter it is the Ministry of Finance that has the authority and not the parent ministry. Mr Dalling has documented his views on this matter, and I have documented mine,” said Monroe Ellis.

“I cannot confirm, but it may be that the practice is continuing (at the FLA) based on Mr Dalling’s interpretation. I will not at this point seek to have any discussion regarding the legal application of the provisions of the contract — my responsibility is to refer the matter to the Ministry of Finance with a recommendation for recovering the sums, because I treat it as an overpayment, and so the officer responsible for it ought to make good [on] that overpayment”.

This was not accepted by Dalling who was adamant that the auditor general was wrong.

“The auditor general’s view is that she doesn’t believe that section nine of the fixed term contract policy was intended for that purpose. I maintain strong objection to that because I believe the section is clear enough to facilitate a change in the terms and conditions of the employment contract.

“The auditor general’s position, I believe, is up for interpretation as to whether the section was intended for that purpose, because nothing on the face of the document suggests that it bars what we did,” argued Dalling.

DALLING… the auditor general’s position I believe, is up for interpretation

{"website":"website"}{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
img img
0 Comments · Make a comment

ALSO ON JAMAICA OBSERVER

Man killed in two-vehicle crash in Mandeville
Latest News, News
Man killed in two-vehicle crash in Mandeville
May 10, 2025
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A man died as a result of injuries he sustained in a two-vehicle crash on the Winston Jones Highway in Mandeville on Saturday af...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Education Ministry outraged at the rape and murder of 9 y.o. Kelsey Ferrigon
Latest News, News
Education Ministry outraged at the rape and murder of 9 y.o. Kelsey Ferrigon
May 10, 2025
The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information says it’s “outraged and deeply saddened”, by the brutal rape and murder of nine year-old Kels...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
HTCC condemns savage murder of Kelsey Ferrigon
Latest News, News
HTCC condemns savage murder of Kelsey Ferrigon
May 10, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Lobby group Hear The Children’s Cry (HTCC) is condemning the brutal rape and murder of nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon on Friday May...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
UWI Five Islands Campus to host AI research conference
Latest News, Regional
UWI Five Islands Campus to host AI research conference
May 10, 2025
ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Five Islands Campus will host the second installation of its 5IR Artificial Int...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Micah shows off his swag with ‘Drip Like My Dad’
Entertainment, Latest News
Micah shows off his swag with ‘Drip Like My Dad’
May 10, 2025
Few cultural artifacts capture the Apple phone-Tik-Tok era virality than the 'drip'. That's why eight year-old dancehall rapper Micah's debut single, ...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
PNP mourns brutal murder of 9-year-old girl
Latest News, News
PNP mourns brutal murder of 9-year-old girl
May 10, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica   —Opposition Spokesperson on Gender, Disabilities and Inclusion, Denise Daley, has expressed “deep sorrow and outrage”, in the wake...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Gov’t offers $2m reward in 9-y-o girl’s murder in Spanish Town
Latest News, News
Gov’t offers $2m reward in 9-y-o girl’s murder in Spanish Town
May 10, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of National Security has announced a $2 million reward for information leading to the capture of the perpetrator(s) o...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
WATCH: Man shot dead by gunmen during Manchester bar robbery
Latest News, News
WATCH: Man shot dead by gunmen during Manchester bar robbery
May 10, 2025
MANCHESTER, Jamaica – A man was shot dead by gunmen at his bar during a robbery on Saturday morning in Banana Ground, Manchester. Relatives identified...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
❮ ❯

Polls

HOUSE RULES

  1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
  2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
  3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
  4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
  5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
  7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
Corinaldi Avenue Primary lead entering into final day of Western Championship
Latest News, Sports
Corinaldi Avenue Primary lead entering into final day of Western Championship
May 9, 2025
Ackel Ricketts of Pepper Primary was red hot as he smashed the Boys’ Cricket Ball Open record with a massive throw of 72.84m on the penultimate day of...
Telegram
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Anything but Europa League glory ‘means nothing’ for Man Utd, says Amorim
Football, Sports
Anything but Europa League glory ‘means nothing’ for Man Utd, says Amorim
May 9, 2025
MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (AFP) — Manchester United Manager Ruben Amorim said Thursday that his side’s run to the Europa League final will have been ...
Telegram
{"xml":"xml"}{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
UWI Five Islands Campus to host AI research conference
Latest News, Regional
UWI Five Islands Campus to host AI research conference
May 10, 2025
ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Five Islands Campus will host the second installation of its 5IR Artificial Int...
Telegram
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}

Recent Posts

Man killed in two-vehicle crash in Mandeville
Latest News, ...
Man killed in two-vehicle crash in Mandeville
May 10, 2025
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A man died as a result of injuries he sustained in a two-vehicle crash on the Winston Jones Highway in Mandeville on Saturday af...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Education Ministry outraged at the rape and murder of 9 y.o. Kelsey Ferrigon
Latest News, ...
Education Ministry outraged at the rape and murder of 9 y.o. Kelsey Ferrigon
May 10, 2025
The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information says it’s “outraged and deeply saddened”, by the brutal rape and murder of nine year-old Kels...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
HTCC condemns savage murder of Kelsey Ferrigon
Latest News, ...
HTCC condemns savage murder of Kelsey Ferrigon
May 10, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Lobby group Hear The Children’s Cry (HTCC) is condemning the brutal rape and murder of nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon on Friday May...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
UWI Five Islands Campus to host AI research conference
Latest News, ...
UWI Five Islands Campus to host AI research conference
May 10, 2025
ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Five Islands Campus will host the second installation of its 5IR Artificial Int...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Micah shows off his swag with ‘Drip Like My Dad’
Entertainment, ...
Micah shows off his swag with ‘Drip Like My Dad’
May 10, 2025
Few cultural artifacts capture the Apple phone-Tik-Tok era virality than the 'drip'. That's why eight year-old dancehall rapper Micah's debut single, ...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}

Archives

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Tweets

Polls

Recent Posts

Man killed in two-vehicle crash in Mandeville
Latest News, ...
Man killed in two-vehicle crash in Mandeville
May 10, 2025
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A man died as a result of injuries he sustained in a two-vehicle crash on the Winston Jones Highway in Mandeville on Saturday af...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Education Ministry outraged at the rape and murder of 9 y.o. Kelsey Ferrigon
Latest News, ...
Education Ministry outraged at the rape and murder of 9 y.o. Kelsey Ferrigon
May 10, 2025
The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information says it’s “outraged and deeply saddened”, by the brutal rape and murder of nine year-old Kels...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
HTCC condemns savage murder of Kelsey Ferrigon
Latest News, ...
HTCC condemns savage murder of Kelsey Ferrigon
May 10, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Lobby group Hear The Children’s Cry (HTCC) is condemning the brutal rape and murder of nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon on Friday May...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Micah shows off his swag with ‘Drip Like My Dad’
Entertainment, ...
Micah shows off his swag with ‘Drip Like My Dad’
May 10, 2025
Few cultural artifacts capture the Apple phone-Tik-Tok era virality than the 'drip'. That's why eight year-old dancehall rapper Micah's debut single, ...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}

Archives

Logo Jamaica Observer
Breaking news from the premier Jamaican newspaper, the Jamaica Observer. Follow Jamaican news online for free and stay informed on what's happening in the Caribbean
Featured Tags
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Health
  • Auto
  • Business
  • Letters
  • Page2
  • Football
Categories
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
Ads
img
Jamaica Observer, © All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feeds
  • Feedback
  • Privacy Policy
  • Editorial Code of Conduct