The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has taken decisive steps to enhance transparency and accountability within the Government’s financial operations, approving a new framework for the rotation of officers in critical departments such as the Treasury Department, the Customs and Excise Division, and the Inland Revenue Department.
During its most recent meeting, Cabinet members underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity of public financial management systems and strengthening internal controls across the Ministry of Finance.
The move follows ongoing efforts to modernize government operations and reduce risks associated with fraud, collusion, or weak accountability in revenue and expenditure processes.
Cabinet acknowledged that the absence of regular staff rotation in sensitive positions — particularly those handling payments, revenue collection, and financial authorizations — can create vulnerabilities within the system.
To address this, the Government agreed that a comprehensive strategy for periodic rotation of officers in key financial roles should be developed in line with international best practices.
The rotation policy will be crafted with technical assistance from the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC) and other financial governance experts. It will ensure that officers in high-risk or sensitive positions are periodically reassigned or transferred among departments to maintain robust internal oversight and mitigate potential conflicts of interest.
Cabinet further directed the Financial Secretary to consult with the Minister of Finance to manage the transfer or rotation of officers between the Treasury, Customs, Inland Revenue, and other units within the Ministry.
This measure is aimed at supporting ongoing reform initiatives to strengthen public financial management, improve performance, and enhance accountability across the sector.
Additionally, the Cabinet mandated that the Financial Secretary submit periodic updates on the progress of the rotation programme to ensure effective implementation and continuous monitoring.
I agree, dont let anyone get too comfortable in any position
Rotation is a start, but oversight, audits, and accountability need to follow. Integrity isn’t built overnight.
Having periodic unannounced spot checks by an external organisation would also keep staff efficient.
Maybe an outside bank or accountants.
This stinks to high heaven! Without an independent investigation, this is just transferring people who failed in their respective duties, were possibly involved, directly or indirectly with vehiclegate, defrauding taxpayers of significant revenues, and getting a pat on the back. The question is, WHY?
Because there are high officials implicated and to avoid answering for their involvement, this cover up is expected to conceal the deep rooted corruption of the Gaston Brown government. Will the citizens sit back and cower in silence as we’re so prone to do?