O.p.r. Reports 3 T.h.a. Divisions (Tourism, Infrastructure & Education) Are Yet To Comply To Reporting Requirements

Three divisions within the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) remain non-compliant with the reporting requirements of the Office of Procurement Regulation (OPR). This was revealed during a Joint Select Committee of Parliament hearing on the implementation of the new procurement system. Senior Auditor Clessie-Ann Ellis reported that, overall, only 10% of the required reports have been submitted by various THA divisions, with three divisions yet to submit any reports. These reports are meant to detail the circumstances under which goods and services were procured. Meanwhile, only 50% of departments within the THA have submitted their annual schedules of planned procurement activities, another requirement of the OPR. Ellis attributed the low compliance rate within the THA to their delayed adaptation to the new procurement legislation. All ministries and government agencies have reported difficulties in adapting to the new procurement legislation. However, Ellis noted that the OPR requirements might need to be adjusted for Tobago, as the THA operates somewhat differently from ministries in Trinidad. Plans are also underway to strengthen the OPR’s presence in Tobago by increasing its staff complement from two officers to seven. Additionally, the OPR is embarking on an initiative to assist procurement officers and departments in adjusting their operations to meet the new legal requirements.