The Broadcasting Commission notes, with concern, a misleading article in today’s edition of the Gleaner titled “Does anyone care about how public funds are spent?” That article wrongfully accuses the Commission of not holding itself accountable, on an apparent erroneous basis that the Commission is not up to date in producing its Annual Reports and Annual Audited Financial Statements.
Contrary to the inaccurate impression given by the report, the Broadcasting Commission has been fully compliant in the preparation and submission of Annual Reports and Audited Financial Statements. Using the past five years up to the current as illustration, the Commission’s accountability performance has been as follows:
- 2013/2014 Annual Report due on July 31, 2014 – Submitted to Office of the Prime Minister, today, July 30, 2014
- 2012/2013 Annual Report due on July 31, 2013 – Submitted to Office of the Prime Minister, on July 30, 2013
- 2011/2012 Annual Report due on July 31, 2012 – Submitted to Office of the Prime Minister, on July 31, 2012
- 2010/2011 Annual Report due on July 31, 2011 – Submitted to Office of the Prime Minister, on July 29, 2011
- 2009/2010 Annual Report due on July 31, 2010 – Submitted to Office of the Prime Minister, on August 20, 2010
The Gleaner should be aware that there is a distinction between the preparation and submission of Annual Reports and their tabling in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Section 3 (2) of the Public Bodies and Management Act (PBMA) provides:
As soon as possible after the end of each financial year, but not more than four months thereafter, the board of a public body shall submit the annual report including audited financial statements of the public body to the responsible Minister, who shall cause the report and statements to be laid on the Table of the House if Representatives and of the Senate.
In the circumstances, we implore the Gleaner to immediately correct its misleading report.
Cordel Green
Executive Director
Broadcasting Commission
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