PAC takes a closer look at Potopsingh’s dismissal

The sacking of former Group Managing Director of the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica, Dr. Ruth Potopsingh, came in for greater scrutiny, at Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday.

It was revealed by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mining and Energy, Hillary Alexander, that Dr. Potopsingh was not provided with a copy, of the draft forensic audit report conducted by Papineau Consulting Incorporated, with which she could formulate a defense.

Dr. Potopsingh and the former Financial Controller were only provided with the final report.

PAC members expressed disgust over the issue for the better part of the sitting, throwing questions at Permanent Secretary Hillary Alexander as to why the former Group Managing Director was not given a fair chance to defend herself against the allegations.

Ronald Thwaites hinted that the report may be discredited if due process was not followed.

PAC member, Dr. Davies chided Ms Alexander for not allowing Dr. Potopsingh to view the draft report and have her response taken into consideration before the final report.

“This approach is the antithesis of natural justice you cannot have a situation where serious charges are being laid against a longstanding professional and we, by agreement, have decided that until you have reached a final conclusion that report cannot be given to the person,” Dr. Davies said.

In her defense, the Permanent Secretary said several discussions were held with all persons named in the audit report regarding the issues and this was following normal procedure at the time.

“There were significant discussions with the auditors, the PCJ on the various elements and with persons who were highlighted in the audit…the final report was submitted for their response,” Ms. Alexander said.

Permanent Secretary, Hillary Alexander and PAc Chairman Dr. Omar Davies

Ms Alexander said furthermore the auditors from the initial stage had informed the PCJ that it would be following a particular methodology in carrying out its investigations and that included not providing a draft of the report to the named persons.

Dr. Potopsingh will be invited to defend herself before the committee.

She was dismissed by the PCJ board in late April over allegations of operational breaches and irregularities uncovered by the auditing team.