Continuing with keeping you informed about the departments at SLASPA, this week we feature the Internal Audit Department, which is one of the smallest departments at the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA). The Department comprises three persons, Cuthbert Nathoniel, Internal Auditor, Ambrose Justin, Assistant Internal Auditor and Johnakim Lucien, Audit Clerk. The department was revamped in December 2006 and to date has achieved many tasks in meeting its mandate as an essential function in the organisational framework of the SLASPA.

The Internal Audit department’s primary function is to review the existing internal control mechanism across the entire organisation, report deficiencies in the system, and to suggest recommendations for the strengthening of internal controls where these are lacking or inadequate. This function encompasses many specific responsibilities and so Internal Audit is an essential function that assists in the overall improvement in efficiency and effectiveness of the core departments at SLASPA.

The department has been able to prioritize and identify potential problem areas and work with department heads to assess any notable risks – such as productivity issues and equipment downtime – and to formulate plans to mitigate those risks. The aim is to strengthen the overall management framework of SLASPA by dealing with Enterprise Risk Management in a more systematic and methodical manner and so assist management in executing its responsibilities more effectively.

Notwithstanding the work load of the Internal Audit Department, the three member team is determined and motivated to achieve their set departmental objectives.

For more information on SLASPA visit www.slaspa.com or call (758) 457 6100.