Grenada’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman Emmalin Pierre has issued a stern warning that public officials failing to comply with parliamentary summonses will face serious consequences for breaching parliamentary authority. The declaration came during an awareness seminar held on December 16, 2025, attended by audit department officials and statutory body directors.
Pierre emphasized that non-compliance with lawful summonses or document requests constitutes a serious violation not just against the committee but against the Parliament of Grenada itself. The opposition leader, who assumed her position in February 2025, stressed that the PAC’s fundamental duty involves safeguarding the Audit Department’s independence while ensuring it receives adequate resources to fulfill its mandate.
The recently conducted seminar aimed to clarify institutional roles, minimize misunderstandings, and foster collaborative relationships rather than confrontational dynamics. This initiative followed PAC members’ participation in specialized training at the UK Parliament in July 2025, demonstrating the committee’s commitment to international best practices in governmental oversight.
Pierre articulated that effective oversight of public funds requires practical implementation beyond theoretical frameworks, necessitating professional and respectful relationships that preserve the Auditor General’s autonomy. She urged participants to view PAC recommendations as improvement tools rather than criticism, emphasizing the critical importance of timely information sharing and constructive responses to audit findings.
The committee’s work ultimately centers on maintaining public trust, with Pierre noting that citizens directly experience the consequences of weak accountability systems. Strong oversight mechanisms, she argued, build democratic confidence and enhance service delivery effectiveness across government institutions.
The PAC comprises cross-parliamentary representation including Kate Lewis-Peters and Dr. Clarice Modeste from the Lower House, alongside Salim Rahaman and Roderick St Clair from the Upper House, forming a five-member body dedicated to financial accountability and governance oversight.