——– Original Message ——–
Subject: Immediate inventory of CH&PA financial records
From: Mark Jacobs <emarkjacobs@gmail.com>
To: Deborah Edwards <deborahe@chpa.gov.gy>,hannifahj <hannifahj@chpa.gov.gy>
CC: mayorofgeorgetown@mail.com, board members
Dear Chairman:
Good morning and all the best in 2017.
If you may recall, I made a presentation to the Board and subsequently
wrote a memo based on that presentation titled “Indications of payroll
fraud & other HR deficiencies at CH&PA” (11th October, 2016)
Based on discussions with board members I met with the Internal
Auditor and presented her a copy of the memo I prepared. A copy of
said memo was also shared with the HR Manager Laverne
Benfield-Sanscoulotte and based on information relayed to me the
subject was discussed by members of the Management Team at their
weekly meeting.
Before Internal Auditor began her work I had a meeting with Mrs.
Sanscoulotte where we discussed the contents of the memo in the CEO’s
Office ( i don’t recall the date of that meeting)
In a memo dated 20th October, 2016, “Response to Report on payroll
fraud” Internal Auditor Paula McKenzie confirmed the findings of my
memo. (both memos attached)
I’ve had verbal and email communication with the HR Manager and to
date no action has been taken to address these concerns by the HR
Manager or anyone in the Management Team. I have made no
recommendations to anyone regarding what should or shouldn’t be done.
For further clarity regarding finance and fraud matters in government
agencies I met with Minister within the Ministry of Finance Jaipaul
Sharma this morning in his office. Along with memo mentioned above we
discussed other matters regarding financial irregularities in the Land
Allocation Department at CH&PA (past and current).
Minister Sharma made some recommendations which I will update members
on and arranged a meeting with Accountant General Jawahar Persaud
(Telephone : 226-1062)
Mr. Chairman based on our meeting, Mr. Persaud has asked me to relay
to you the following message:
“Please begin an immediate inventory check on all cash, checks,
receipts, deposit books, check books and deposit slips”
This includes the financial records of all CH&PA Regional Housing
Offices (Anna Regina, Vreed en Hoop, Fort Wellington, New Amsterdam,
Linden and Lethem)
All for your information and guidance.
humble regards,
Mark Jacobs
Chair, Land Allocation Committee
attachements
“Indications of payroll fraud & other HR deficiencies at CH&PA”
“Response to Report on payroll fraud”
