Barbados’ financial oversight system is confronting a severe crisis of independence and operational capacity, as revealed during a recent panel discussion marking the 170th anniversary of the Barbados Audit Office. Former Auditor General Leigh Trotman and current acting head Linda Carter delivered alarming testimony about systemic obstacles preventing effective fiscal oversight.
The Audit Office, responsible for safeguarding public finances, faces dual challenges: legal dependency on the government it must scrutinize and a critical staffing shortage with over 30 vacant positions. Carter revealed that entire ministries routinely delay or avoid providing essential financial information, while Trotman emphasized that constitutional requirements for timely financial reporting are “often honoured in the breach.”
The legal framework presents particular concerns. The office must rely on the Attorney General—the government’s chief legal officer—for legal representation, creating what Trotman described as “a serious problem” when potentially pursuing action against government ministries. This structural dependency fundamentally compromises the watchdog’s independence.
Compounding these issues, the department faces a hemorrhaging of talent to the private sector. Carter explained the office lacks hiring authority and cannot compete with private sector compensation, resulting in experienced auditors being “snapped up” while vacancies remain unfilled. This 30-position gap represents approximately one-third of the department’s required staffing.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Parliament’s mechanism for reviewing audit findings, has also proven ineffective. Carter noted the committee met only sporadically before “things broke down,” raising concerns about parliamentary accountability.
Despite these challenges, both officials emphasized the office’s critical role in evaluating government efficiency and providing value-for-money audits. Trotman noted these functions give citizens “a better idea of how government uses their money” and are essential for public trust.
The panel concluded that mere goodwill cannot sustain proper oversight. Barbados must update legislation to grant the Audit Office true independence, provide adequate legal authority, and ensure proper resourcing to fulfill its constitutional mandate effectively.