In a striking revelation, the 2016 audited financial statements of Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL) were finally tabled in the House of Representatives, nearly a decade overdue. This delay, highlighted in recent media reports, underscores a systemic issue of weak accountability and disregard for statutory obligations within the state enterprise. The documents were referred to the Public Accounts (Enterprises) Committee, chaired by Senator Vishnu Dhanpaul, with MP Colm Imbert as vice-chair. Both individuals have previously served as finance ministers and are well-versed in financial stewardship, making the delay even more concerning. Senator Dhanpaul, who also served as CAL’s board member and permanent secretary, is no stranger to the intricacies of financial governance. The prolonged delay in submitting these critical financial reports not only erodes public confidence but also hampers effective parliamentary oversight. It reflects a broader pattern of financial mismanagement within the public sector, exacerbated by the recent departure of key executives and board changes. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for those responsible for oversight, urging them to take corrective action and restore public trust in institutional governance.
