In June, four members of Guyana’s Public Accounts Committee attended a four-day training exercise in Ottawa, Canada to explore ways of strengthening the estimates process for the annual budget.

The delegation, a multi-party group, included Bibi Shadick, Manzoor Nadir, Volda Lawrence and Trevor Williams. Sonia Maxwell, Clerk of Committees attached to the Economic Services Committee, also accompanied the delegation.

During their visit, the delegation had the opportunity to witness, firsthand, the Canadian system.

They attended a sitting of the Senate Committee of Finance, the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates, and the Standing Committee on Public Accounts where they witnessed a state organization testifying before the committee. In addition, the delegation participated in a dialogue with GOPAC Canada members regarding the estimates process in each country.

The Guyanese delegates showed great interest in GOPAC and have expressed the intention of starting a GOPAC chapter in their country.