Four staff members from the accounts department in Region Three (West Demerara-Essequibo Islands) are expected to be suspended due to the disappearance of GY$2.3 million in salaries intended for National Pathway workers. This situation is currently under investigation by the police, according to Region Three Chairman Sheik Mohamed Inshan Ayube.
The funds were meant to be distributed to over 50 National Pathway workers, each scheduled to receive $40,000 in March 2026. Ayube explained that the money went missing from an accounting cage while the staff members were on lunch break. Upon returning, they discovered that the cash was misplaced.
To ensure that the workers received their payments, the involved employees reportedly returned the funds. However, the four female staff members will be suspended without pay starting Monday, pending the outcome of the police investigation. Ayube stated that those who are not found responsible will be allowed to return to work and will receive their salaries.
In a related development, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) parliamentarian Ganesh Mahipaul has formally requested the Auditor General to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the missing funds. He emphasized the importance of auditing the allocation, disbursement, and management of these funds to address any irregularities.
Mahipaul also suggested that payments to workers should be made via cheque to create a clear paper trail, which could help prevent similar issues in the future. He expressed concern over the loss of public funds intended for vulnerable citizens and called for immediate attention to ensure proper financial procedures were followed.
Ayube acknowledged the potential inconvenience for workers in remote areas who may need to travel to banks to cash cheques, indicating that this matter would be discussed with the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.
Mahipaul concluded by stating that public confidence in government programs relies on transparency and effective oversight in managing taxpayer resources.
Source: demerarawaves.com
