First Caymanian auditor general appointed

Current Deputy Auditor General Patrick Smith will become the first Caymanian to hold the position of auditor general in Cayman.

Smith will take up his new role, replacing Sue Winspear, from 1 June.

Winspear departed the office in March, after serving as auditor general for nearly nine years.

Commenting in a statement announcing his appointment, Smith said he was “honoured” to take on the post.

“It is a privilege to assume this key position, which plays a vital role in ensuring accountability, integrity, and transparency in the public service. I look forward to continuing the important work conducted by the Office of the Auditor General in enhancing financial reporting, promoting good governance and supporting the long-term sustainability of our Islands,” he said.

Local and international recruitment drive

The statement announcing his appointment noted that Smith was chosen following “a rigorous recruitment drive which ran locally and internationally for the highly specialised post”.

Governor Jane Owen, who chaired the recruitment panel, said in the statement, “This is a vital role which reinforces Cayman’s ongoing commitment to good governance and sound financial practices across our public sector. I am confident that Patrick will bring continuity based on his experience, but also a fresh approach to strategy and the challenges of the future.”

In a short shared biography, it was noted that Smith first joined the Office of the Auditor General in March 2002 as a senior auditor, and has held several positions during his tenure, including audit manager, financial audit principal and deputy auditor general with responsibility for the in-house financial audit practice.

He was deputy auditor general from 2023, with responsibility for corporate and international affairs. He also oversaw the financial audits conducted by private firms on behalf of the Office of the Auditor General, and worked as a consultant with the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions’ Development Initiative.

Smith began his audit career with KPMG Barbados in 1996, after which he worked as the lead internal auditor for a regional manufacturing plant before transitioning to the Office of the Auditor General. He is a certified public accountant, fraud examiner and quality management auditor.

The statement noted that he also holds a diploma in International Public Sector Accounting Standards.

Deputy Governor Franz Manderson congratulated Smith on his appointment and said, “The Civil Service remains committed to ensuring that our work delivers value for money and promotes good governance in these Islands.”

He added, “Mr. Smith is a highly experienced professional whom I am sure will continue to build upon the very high employee engagement, professionalism and effectiveness within the Office of the Auditor General.”

Roy McTaggart, who chairs the House of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, which oversees government spending, also welcomed the appointment.

“As a longstanding and respected leader at the Office of the Auditor General, Mr. Smith, who has over 28 years’ experience working in the private and public sector, has strong relationships with the Public Accounts Committee, regional and international audit bodies, and senior personnel within the Civil Service and wider public sector,” McTaggart said.

The Office of the Auditor General audits the public accounts and finances of all authorities, as well as offices and departments of government in the Cayman Islands, and has the power to undertake value-for-money investigations with respect to these entities.