Auckland, New Zealand: Program Director for the Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI), Mike Scott, visited Kosrae and Yap States in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) for 2 weeks of in-person technical support and advocacy that finished last Friday.
Earlier in the year Mr Scott had worked with staff at the Office of the Kosrae Public Auditor to plan some audits and provide guidance on how to document findings according to international standards. During his visit from 25 to 29 November he followed up on the progress of 2 audits with the respective audit teams.
The following week he supported staff at the Office of the Yap State Public Auditor to clear an outstanding review of expenditure on the Micronesian Games hosted by Yap in July 2018.
Mr Scott expressed confidence in the diligence of audit staff saying, “The small team has now sought information to inform this review from many avenues and overcome some difficult obstacles to do so. The audit office’s work on this review should be of interest and value to the Yap State Legislature and all bodies managing public funds in Yap when it is finalised.”
While there, Mr Scott and Yap State Public Auditor, Bryan Dabugsiy, met with Acting Attorney General, Quintina Letawerpiy. She resolved to consider legislative amendments proposed by the audit office 4 years ago as part of its efforts to obtain greater independence.
During the 2-week overseas mission, Mr Scott even managed a virtual meeting with the outgoing and incoming second secretaries of the New Zealand High Commission based in Honolulu, Hawaii.
As well as technical support and advocacy, Mr Scott worked with the public auditors from both Micronesian states to create and get agreement on bespoke capacity development plans that will guide each audit offices’ training and development activities into 2026.
PASAI acknowledges the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
