KINGSTON, Jamaica — Clerk to the Houses of Parliament, Colleen Lowe, has declared that the team she leads is committed to transparency, accountability and institutional renewal.

Lowe gave the assurance in a media release on Wednesday after a day of grilling before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday where findings of a special report into the operations of Parliament by the Auditor General’s Department were discussed.

The audit found procurement breaches and other infractions at Parliament, including a senior manager being allowed free use of a Government vehicle which he parked at his house every night for nearly six months in breach of established policy.

The Auditor General’s Department also flagged procurement breaches in the award of a $24 million contract to renovate the members’ lounge at Gordon House, and the purchase of 16 air conditioning units in contravention of Government guidelines.

According to the audit report, the air conditioning units were procured from a single supplier in the amount of $3.2 million without invitations for other bids.

“We noted weaknesses in procurement planning and budgeting, unauthorised bid modifications, use of incorrect procurement methodology, absence of contract agreement, and the non-inclusion of critical terms to protect government’s interest,” said the auditor general in the special report.

Appearing before the PAC, Lowe acknowledged the breaches but argued that the audit found no wrongdoing on the part of her staff and that the Government did not suffer any loss.

Lowe said, “The engagement with the Public Accounts Committee was both necessary and constructive. It provided an important opportunity to place the facts on record and to demonstrate the deliberate steps now being taken to strengthen governance, improve controls and ensure full compliance with the Government of Jamaica’s financial and administrative frameworks.”

According to Lowe, Parliament has embarked on a clear programme of reform aimed at strengthening internal systems and restoring public confidence.

“These measures include the establishment of an Audit Committee to enhance oversight and accountability, improvements to procurement planning and budget management, and the implementation of more rigorous fleet management and asset control arrangements under the direct supervision of a newly-appointed transport manager,” Lowe said.

“Together, these actions reflect a renewed institutional focus on discipline, compliance and good governance,” added Lowe.

The clerk declared that Parliament is moving decisively in a new direction, while seemingly casting blame on the previous leadership.

“Under the current administration, the Houses of Parliament have had to confront and stabilise long-standing operational weaknesses, while simultaneously laying the foundation for stronger, more resilient systems.

“The focus is firmly on strengthening integrity, improving efficiency and rebuilding public trust. This period represents one of renewal and reform, with the supporting staff fully engaged in driving meaningful and sustainable change,” declared Lowe.