| The resuscitation of the Guyana chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) began in earnest yesterday with the holding of a well-attended seminar at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, where Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, who delivered the feature address stressed the importance of the internal audit profession in improving the national competitiveness of Guyana.The forum, chaired by Banks DIH Limited Executive,Vladimir Tarasenko Jersey, Ramesh Dookhoo,Jason Pominville Jersey, is seeking to upgrade the skills of internal audit professionals in both the private and public sector. It was,Mike Modano Jersey, as Dookhoo said, “the largest gathering of internal auditors in Guyana’s recent history”.Dr. Singh, who was heartened by the large turnout,Alex Pietrangelo Jersey, noted that the presence of senior functionaries of the University of Guyana and the private and public sectors points to the recognition of the importance that the internal audit function plays in the corporate world.While highlighting that many view internal audit as a minor bureaucratic function, in a world economy that has been rocked by the recent and still unwinding global financial crisis, the Finance Minister stated that internal audit takes on an even greater role. Its use points to sound management, and will lead to competitiveness.Minister Singh also informed the audience that issues of accountability,Shayne Gostisbehere Team North America Jersey, transparency, good governance and value for money,Scott Gomez Jersey, which are all goals of the internal audit profession, should not only be restricted to the public sector. He encouraged the private sector to embrace the gains that can be obtained from the use of good risk management and assessment techniques.He also said he was pleased that such a seminar was organized as it is one of the many ways to pursue human resource development which is needed in Guyana.The opening session also saw the audience addressed by John Seeram, President of the IIA Guyana chapter, Claire Gomez-Miller, IIA District Advisor, Caribbean Region and Lal Balkaran, founder of the IIA Guyana chapter and one of the workshop facilitators.Seeram emphasized the importance of internal auditing in the areas of governance, risk management and internal controls while Gomez-Miller informed the participants that they were the gatekeepers of good corporate governance.Also in attendance at the opening session were Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Captain Gerry Gouveia,Stan Mikita Jersey, Governor of Bank of Guyana,Ryan Reaves Jersey, Lawrence Williams,Brandon Saad Team North America Jersey, University of Guyana Pro-Chancellor, Prem Misir and Vice Chancellor, Professor Lawrence Carrington. Many other senior officers of both public and private sector organisations were also in attendance. |
