THE MINISTRY of Justice on Wednesday came under intense pressure from members of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC), who raised alarm about inadequate checks and balances in the handling of funds by the police for the courts.

Robert Rainford, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Justice, admitted that his ministry was unable to determine how much money was collected daily at police stations for bail bonds.

His comment came after committee member, Tarn Peralto, alleged that cash collected by the police for bail bonds were frequently kept by them for extended periods before the money was delivered to the courts.

Auditor General Pamela Monroe Ellis said her department had recommended that when funds were received they should be lodged by the end of the day.

Bank payments

Committee member Michael Stern suggested that a system be introduced whereby payments were made to a bank or other financial institution and an official receipt presented to the police. He said this would prevent the police from handling the cash.

Deputy Financial Secretary Robert Martin said Stern's proposal should be given serious consideration.

At Wednesday's PAC meeting at Gordon House, it was reported that an audit by the Auditor General's Department of three court offices revealed inadequacy in the maintenance of cash books, receipt books, registers, bank reconciliation statements and blank cheque registers.

Monroe Ellis said that the weaknesses identified could result in the loss or misuse of public funds.

Despite commitments from the Ministry of Justice to implement corrective measures last year, PAC members observed that the problem had persisted.

Rainford told the PAC that he was not satisfied with the system of checks and balances in the court system.

He said the courts were experiencing a recurring problem, as set out in the auditor general's reports.

The permanent secretary said that quarterly meetings were held with court administrators to improve accountability and transparency.

'Not short of recommendations'

But Monroe Ellis said the ministry was not short of recommendations to tackle its problems, noting that the courts did not lack adequate systems.

She blamed the responsible officers for failing to carry out their duties in keeping with the court manual.

"What we need now is to ensure that there is adherence to the system," she added.

The Auditor General's Department noted that records at three courts visited showed 184 outstanding warrants for violation of bail bonds and 556 outstanding commitments, and fines amounting to about $26 million for the period April 2005 to March 2008.

It said failure to execute warrants and carry out court orders could result in the subversion of the course of justice.

edmond.campbell@gleanerjm.com