Governor launches investigation into leaked Auditor General’s report

(CMR)  His Excellency Governor Martyn Roper said while his office and the Government is committed to transparency, the leak of an Auditor General's report regarding the set up of overseas offices by the former Government is a serious matter which will be investigated.

“I can assure the public that my office and the Cayman Islands Government remain committed to transparency. However, an unauthorized leak of an official document is a serious matter and will be investigated,” he stated.

On Monday, Governor Roper and Deputy Governor Hon. Franz Manderson issued statements in response to the unauthorized leak of the report.

“The Auditor General's report, provided at my request, raises important matters that were already being addressed as part of the civil service's response to the findings of the report. As this work is not yet complete, it would be inappropriate for me or any other Government representative to comment substantively on it at this stage. There are undoubtedly lessons to be learned from the OAG's report. I will ensure that they are learned,” Governor Roper said.

Deputy Governor Manderson said the leak of the document is unfortunate.

“I am aware that the recent Auditor General report regarding the former Ministry of Investment, Trade, Investment, Aviation and Maritime Affairs is now in the public domain. The unauthorized leak of the report is most unfortunate and unhelpful to the review currently in progress.”

He said while the report has rightly generated public interest,  due to this matter currently being under review, it limits what can be shared at this time.

“As Head of the Civil Service, we remain committed to ensuring transparency while following the processes and policies in place to deal with such matters. As such, I ask that the process is respected and allowed to be carried out without prejudice to preserve the integrity of the review,” he said.

Mr. Manderson added that it is important for the public to be aware that there is an established review process for matters of this nature.

“The report has already been helpful to the Civil Service, and we are developing a policy to guide the conduct of Civil Servants before, during and after an Election. This will include advice to Government on the role of elected representatives during the election period,” he continued.