On March 26th, 2024, I officially wrote to Prime Minister Philip J Pierre regarding major concerns with respect to the approval by Parliament of the Guarantee provided to the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) to secure a loan in the amount of $80 million from 1st National Bank Saint Lucia Limited to assist with the financing of a youth and sports infrastructure programme.
Whilst I finally welcome the Government’s efforts to improve our national sporting infrastructure, the approach that has been adopted is exceedingly questionable.
Some of these concerns include but are not limited to:
1)The National Lotteries Authority (NLA) is not given specific authority, nor does it have the requisite capacity to be engaged in construction activities.
2) The NLA does not presently utilise a financial management system that aligns with the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act
3) The fact that construction had commenced weeks prior to the guarantee being secured, further undermines any confidence in the application of acceptable financial management procedures under this programme
4) Based on information received, the NLA collects on average $600,000 a month yet the loan payment is $595,000 monthly! How will the NLA finance youth development programmes and pay rent, utilities and salaries for the next 15 years?
I went further to provide recommendations to the Prime Minister which would help remedy these concerns which include:
1) Institute and make public, appropriate mechanisms, procedures and guidelines for the procurement of goods, works and services under the programme.
2) Provide details on the programme to be undertaken, inclusive of:-
The scope and costs of the upgrades to be undertaken, The contractors, consultants and suppliers procured and the terms of the engagement The timelines for completion of the programme
3) At the completion of the programme, audited statements and a Final Report would be submitted to Parliament accounting for the expenditures incurred.
They promised you transparency and accountability and I remain committed to ensuring they are upheld.
