Fuel importers granted billions in waivers

Auditor General, Pamela Monroe-Ellis, said her department has also observed that 41 SCT waivers, totalling $1.25 billion, were given to three fuel importers, between May 2009 and June 2010.

And, while she said that the Customs Department has outlined to her, the basis for the waivers, Mrs. Monroe-Ellis seemed unsatisfied with the explanation and will carry out an audit of the transactions herself.

The audit will also try to determine why two of the fuel importers were not charged the $8.75 increase in the SCT, between July 2009 and January 2010.

However, shortfall of funds going into the RMF from the SCT was not the Auditor General's only concern.

Mrs. Monroe-Ellis said she was concerned that the Ministry of Transport and Works diverted $761 million of the Road Maintenance Fund to the National Works Agency, in breach of the Appropriations Act.

For that breach, the Auditor General says the Finance Ministry should reprimand those at the Transport and Works Ministry, who authorised the unauthorised use of the funds.