A day after resigning as director of elections, Danville Walker yesterday appeared before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament (PAC) to answer to reports of breaches at the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) as outlined in auditor general's most recent report.

Walker sought to explain why at the time of his examination, the auditor general was not presented with the required financial statements from as far back as 2003 and why there were discrepancies with regards to salary payments to two officers.

The PAC was told that due to the absence of the financial statements, a properly audited assessment of the EOJ's accounts could not be conducted.

Walker in defence, said the outstanding financial statements for 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 were submitted on February 18, after the auditor general conducted his examination.

He also said the financial statements for 2006/2007 should be ready within the next three months.

Change in accounting system

Walker also said the financial statements were not prepared on time because of a change in the EOJ's internal accounting system and because of the preparations for general elections.

The auditor general's report also outlined other shortcomings at the EOJ, which included the unauthorised payments to officers amounting to more than $200,000.

Walker, who was the director of elections for 10 years, said in one instance, a contract officer was employed to implement the electronic identification of voters in preparation for the 2003 local government elections.

The officer, who left the EOJ in December 2004, was paid more than $115,000, which is outside the salary scale for the post.

Walker said the EOJ needed the officer, who was knowledgeable and experienced in implementing the electronic voter identification programme.

He said, too, that based on the officer's educational background and expertise, he deserved the remuneration.

Other duties

Another officer was paid for duties he performed in addition to his regular duties between October 2002 and June 2005.

In settlement, the Ministry of Finance, whose approval was sought for the allowance paid to the officer, has agreed that 25 per cent of the overpaid amount, or $121,386.37, is to be repaid in 36 monthly instalments.

The repayment started in October 2006 and will end September 2009.