Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie - file photo
Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie has responded to comments about audits being conducted at some parish councils.
Speaking on Thursday at the monthly meeting of the Trelawny Parish Council, Mr. McKenzie said they were conducted in the best interest of the public and cautioned his opposers to desist from spreading false messages.
"It is not my intention to withhold any funding from any parish council for any political purposes...On the strength of our performance we can win parish councils without withholding funds from the parish councils; I am not playing a political game," he declared.
He said, in fact, he has given instruction to release $12 million to the Trelawny Parish Council.
Mr. McKenzie said the audits are meant to examine the overall operation of the councils not just the financial aspect.
Meanwhile, Mr. McKenzie said the audit at the Hanover Parish Council is complete. He, however, declined to give details of the findings.
He said he has met with the Mayor of Lucea and administrative staff and once he is satisfied that the requests made of the council have been met, the findings of the audit will be presented to Cabinet. Following Cabinet review, the audit can then be tabled in parliament.
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