PNCR to hold CEC meeting today, issue of audit expected to be high on the agenda

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The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) is scheduled to hold a meeting of the Central Executive Council (CEC) today. Last Thursday, the Party leader and Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Aubrey Norton, at a press conference, said the meeting will discuss matters relating to a party auditor.

Some three weeks ago a leaked letter by former Treasurer, Mr. Faaiz Mursaline, detailed concerns about the Party’s financial administration. He had recommended party stalwart and advisor to Party leader, Member of Parliament, Ms. Volda Lawrence provided the support to the party on the matter given her experience in accounting. However, Norton advised such would not be possible because it provides “a conflict of interest” but did not get into details how it could.

Responding to a question whether the Party has an auditor in place, Norton answered in the affirmative. According to the Party Rule 16(4) “The General Council shall appoint an auditor at the first meeting after the Biennial Delegates Congress.”

The life of the last auditor ended when the David Granger leadership of the party ended with the election of Norton on December 18, 2021.

Village Voice is reliably informed no auditor has been appointed at the first General Council meeting after the Biennial Congress held in December 2021.

Reacting to concerns by the public, particularly party supporters, about alleged financial impropriety, Party CEC member and Member of Parliament, Ms. Coretta McDonald, is also in support of an investigation.

Appearing on Norman Brown’s, Voice of the Diaspora (VoD) programme last Tuesday, McDonald said an investigation is the way to go to attend to and resolve allegations.  Norton is facing allegations made by the former treasurer that he has been asked to sign blank cheques without seeing the source documents, knowing the amount of money on the cheques,  or to whom the cheques were written to.

Mursaline tendered his resignation on December 31, 2022, citing among other reasons, the signing of blank cheques as a main concern. He has since written the CEC, after a meeting with Norton, requesting the withdrawal of this resignation but is sticking to his story  on the signing of blank cheques.

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