USF - 70+Million Education Project Poorly Monitored

Auditor General's Findings

Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) entered into an agreement with the Universal Service Fund (USF) to provide training under the Technology Advancement Programme (TAP) at a cost of $70 million and $3.8 million for rental. The MOU for the TAP between USF and CMU however, did not stipulate how the funds disbursed should be allocated.

The Auditor General, in the 2019 Special Audit of CMU, found that USF was less effective in its oversight and monitoring of TAP when compared to the Phase II Capacity Building Programme. The AuGD saw no evidence that USF required periodic reporting from CMU to satisfy itself that the TAP was being implemented according to plan.

Permanent Secretary (current): Maureen Dwyer

Breach Category: Resource Management

Permanent Secretary (at breach): Dean-Roy Bernard

Breach Type: Inadequate Project Monitoring

Status: Partial Compliance

Last Assessed: January 21, 2021

Year Reported: 2019

Year Resolved:

JAMP Update

In a letter dated January 21, 2021, the Universal Service Fund advised JAMP that “… neither the Phase 11 Capacity Building Programme nor the Technology Advancement Programme is being implemented at this time.”
As it relates to our query regarding what steps have been taken to satisfy the Auditor General’s concerns regarding poor periodic reporting requirements for the TAP, JAMP was also advised that:
“..(i) The terms and conditions of the contractual agreement between the Universal Service Fund (USF) and the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) regarding the implementation of the subsequent TAP 2019 outlined specific reporting requirements which included:
a. Providing USF with attendance records on a weekly basis.
b. Providing USF with a training Status Report.
c. Providing USF with a final comprehensive project report.
(ii) Senior Officers were also assigned to enhance monitoring of the Programme.”

See response below