KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Fayval Williams, has underscored the critical role of government auditors and audit committees in ensuring that Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa is anchored in transparency and the accountable management of reconstruction funds.

She was speaking during the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) Audit Committees’ Conference, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston on Wednesday under the theme ‘Governance in Action: Strengthening Trust, Risk Oversight and Resilience’.

Williams noted that, during this rebuilding phase, auditors are even more critical, as strong oversight is essential to guarantee that recovery funds are properly managed, reconstruction efforts remain transparent and accountable, and public confidence is maintained throughout and beyond the recovery process.

She emphasised that auditors are central to safeguarding integrity, credibility, and consistency within public institutions, thereby reinforcing the trust that underpins effective government operations.

The minister urged audit committee members to remain steadfast in fulfilling their mandate, describing them as “guardians of public trust and essential architects of the Jamaica” that the Government is building.

“It is through the work of audit committees that principles of responsibility, transparency, and stewardship are translated into real, measurable outcomes that benefit citizens and support Jamaica’s long-term development pathway,” Williams affirmed.

She added that the work of audit committee members directly supports the achievement of the goals and outcomes set out in Vision 2030 Jamaica.

“Even though many of you may not be the primary reporters on Vision 2030 targets, your oversight responsibilities help determine whether ministries, departments and agencies are positioned to execute their mandate effectively. Understanding your organisation’s role within the medium-term socioeconomic policy framework, which is the main mechanism for advancing Vision 2030, is, therefore, not optional… it is essential,” the minister underscored.

Meanwhile, Williams said this year’s conference theme captures the essence of what audit committees are called to do in this dynamic era of national development.

“As a nation, we are still emerging from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa. Communities were battered, infrastructure was compromised, and many families were displaced. Yet, in the midst of destruction, something powerful emerged, the strength and resilience of the Jamaican people… the will to rebuild when broken,” she stated.

In her remarks, Cabinet Secretary, Audrey Sewell, further underscored the critical role of auditors and audit committees in safeguarding accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in the stewardship of the nation’s public resources

“The impact of your work was most apparent during the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa, one of the most devastating disasters Jamaica has ever experienced, which rigorously tested the strength, adaptability, and resilience of our systems and institutions,” she stated.

Sewell noted that the nation’s ability to respond with coordination, speed, and accountability is firmly rooted in the foundational work of auditors over many years.

“It is the gaps you identified, the uncomfortable questions you raised, the lessons documented in previous audit reports that informed the renewal of outdated systems, the strengthening of weak controls, and the development of more robust strategies,” the cabinet secretary affirmed.

She pointed out that real-time auditing is being conducted under the Hurricane Melissa Relief Initiative.

“This approach helps build public trust and confidence among the diaspora, international and development partners, encouraging continued support through grants, concessional financing, and other forms of assistance,” Sewell stated.

–       JIS