“In this country, men believe that they can break the law and do whatever it is that they like because those who are close to the government have been able to get away with it”- APNU MP Carl GreenidgeThe National Assembly will meet tomorrow to debate whether it should approve some $5.7B whichAPNU MP Carl Greenidgehas been expended from the Contingencies Fund during the last quarter of 2011, but despite the opposition believing that the money was utilised illegally, they may have no option but to vote in agreement.This however does not mean that it will be business as usual for the Government as it relates to the Supplementary Provisions and Finances in General.Former Finance Minister and Executive Member of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)? Carl Greenidge, in an exclusive interview with this publication, signaled that come Thursday when the issue comes up for debate, the opposition will be pushing a gamut of measures, including police action.Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh on Friday last tabled the Financial Papers and signalled to the Speaker that he would like to have the consideration done this Thursday.The Opposition will however have to vote for its approval, given the fact that should they vote negatively, the Contingencies Fund will not be able to be replenished to the tune of some $5.7B.For several years now, the Opposition Parties in the House have been lamenting the manner in which the money is being used.According to the Auditor General,CHeap NFL Jerseys China, the Contingencies Fund continues to be abused, with withdrawals that do not fit the criteria for the related disbursements.Greenidge explained to this publication that the request represents two different categories, namely some for moneys already spent and another to pay for commitments made that were not previously paid for.He explained that a supplementary provision is simply an additional request for a previous allocation, but stressed that it has to be for an emergency purpose.Finance Minister Dr Ashni SinghGreenidge says that the Finance Minister, when he goes to Parliament, is supposed to explain to the House, in detail, how and why the money was spent, and what the urgency was.He asserted that a supplementary provision is supposed to be used in unavoidable cases, where if the administration did not make the expenditure, then there would be irreparable damage to the system.The Former Finance Minister pointed out that the Contingencies Fund operates akin to an impress or petty cash – as float money that can be accessed by the administration providing the requisite criteria are met.“What the government does is write cheques against a Contingencies Fund. That Contingencies Fund is only supposed to be tapped into in these (urgent or unavoidable) circumstances.”He reiterated that if there was no previous allocation made,Cheap Jerseys 2018, such as for a road programme or capital expenditure such as the purchase of a building – then the administration ought not to be able to make a “draw down” for such expenditure.“You have to wait until the next year,” Greenidge explained.He questioned the motivation behind some of the expenditure for which approval is being sought, drawing particular reference to the purchase of ferries.In the Supplementary Provision sought by Dr Singh,Cheap Jerseys For Sale, there is expenditure for the Ministry of Public Works and Communication, which received an additional $2.6B in addition to $366M already received for the acquisition of two ferries.Greenidge explained that the Chinese delivered both of the vessels early, “and yet there is a request for funds to pay.”He stressed that it is not a case where the Parliament has to approve this expenditure, but he also gave clarity to the issue with respect to its being float money.Greenidge explained that when moneys are spent from that which is allocated as a float and there is an absence of necessary documentation to show that the money was spent legitimately, “then the float can’t be replenished.”“The Parliament does not have to approve this expenditure,China Stitched NFL Jerseys, and could take action which requires that the officials responsible for carrying out the expenditure, if it is deem it illegal, are surcharged.”The Former Finance Minister explained that a request can be made of the Auditor General to investigate and call in the police.Greenidge explained that APNU’s position will be to “ensure that the request that is laid before us is consistent with the law.”He reminded that the law requires that the Minister provide certain information as it relates to the expenditures, as against the traditional vague answers that were provided.He added that APNU is in talks with the Alliance for Change, and they are