The Permanent Secretary for Finance, Shiri Gounder, provided testimony to a tribunal regarding the superannuation payments made to the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). He clarified that these payments were processed directly by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) using manual telegraphic transfers, as they were classified as offshore payments.
Gounder explained that the ODPP executed the superannuation payments independently, without any involvement from the Ministry of Finance. According to the DPP’s employment contract, it included a provision allowing the officer to choose various options for their superannuation contributions, either continuing with home schemes, contributing to the local FNPF scheme, or selecting another superannuation fund at their discretion.
He noted that the Ministry of Finance has been responsible for disbursing the DPP’s salary according to the contractual terms established between the DPP and the President. All salary payments and benefits to civil servants are processed through the Government’s payroll system under the terms of their contracts, and superannuation contributions are made in compliance with mandated FNPF rates.
Additionally, Gounder emphasized that the DPP has the authority to manage any funds allocated by Parliament independently. The tribunal has postponed the proceedings to a future date.
In summary, this situation highlights the complexities involved in governmental financial processes, particularly concerning superannuation payments and the independence of the DPP in managing these funds. The diligent oversight by both the Ministry of Finance and the ODPP ensures that financial practices remain transparent and accountable. As the tribunal continues its investigations, this could lead to clearer policies and better governance practices moving forward, fostering an environment of integrity and responsibility within public service sectors.
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