BVI members attend PAC workshop in Jersey

Members of the House of Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recently participated in a three-day workshop in St. Helier, Jersey, from March 11 to March 13, 2025.

The event, organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association of the United Kingdom (CPA UK) and hosted by the Jersey PAC, aimed to strengthen parliamentary financial oversight.

The BVI delegation included Chairman Ronnie Skelton, along with members Stacy Mather, Marlon Penn, and Myron Walwyn. They were accompanied by Bethsaida Smith-Hanley, the PAC’s Clerk and Secretary.

During the workshop, participants engaged in hands-on activities designed to enhance their understanding of PAC operations. These included observing preparatory meetings for public hearings, attending live hearings, and taking part in debriefing sessions. Key topics covered included the Jersey PAC’s Code of Practice, its legislative framework, the role of the Jersey Audit Office, and staffing structures that support financial scrutiny.

This initiative aligns with CPA UK’s ongoing mission to strengthen parliamentary scrutiny across the Commonwealth’s Overseas Territories. Through peer-to-peer learning and knowledge-sharing programs, CPA UK seeks to build capacity and improve the effectiveness of financial oversight institutions.

The BVI PAC values this opportunity and anticipates that the insights gained will enhance its ability to scrutinize public funds more effectively.

As a critical pillar of governance in the BVI, the Public Accounts Committee ensures transparency and accountability by examining government expenditure. In collaboration with the Office of the Auditor General, the PAC works to safeguard taxpayers’ interests by assessing whether public funds are used efficiently and in accordance with legislative intent.

CPA UK continues to play a vital role in promoting inclusive, transparent, and accountable parliamentary practices across its member regions, reinforcing good governance throughout the Commonwealth.