The Public Accounts Committee opened for the Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs, with a fiery challenge from Chairman Davendranath Tancoo.
He said that the pace and frequency with which the ministry has met with and provided information for the Committee, has not been what it should be and asked why this is so. He went so far as to state that the Ministry appeared not to regard, responding to the Pubic Accounts Committee as important.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Penelope Bradshaw Niles assured that they this was not the case and that they do indeed respect the committee. She said however, that they have been working on several fronts simultaneously. That is to fulfil the core mandate of the organisation, which comprises increasing the revenues in the sector, and ensuring that the industry is managed properly.
She said their presence today at the Committee meant they are more than ready to respond to any queries put to them.