Accountability problems in Marshall Islands embassies

11:25 am on 11 April 2016
Marshall Islands flag

Marshall Islands flag Photo: AFP

Spending and accountability by Marshall Islands embassies and consulates were found to be lacking in many areas for the fifth consecutive year by Deloitte auditors.

Auditors raised numerous concerns about the handling of funding by overseas missions in a letter on internal controls and two audit reports that were presented by the Marshall Islands Auditor General to parliament before it recessed March 30th.

The audit period was for the 2014 financial year.

The auditors said they had raised the same problems with the Ministry of Finance every year dating back to 2010.

The Foreign Minister, John Silk, who took the post this year, said he was working to fast-track the hiring of an internal auditor for the ministry to review and resolve financial issues.

Accountability problems included a shortage of over $US 128,000 in the accounts of six embassies and consulates.