The Speaker of the House of Keys, the Hon Juan Watterson SHK, has been appointed Chair of the Commonwealth Association of Public Accounts Committees (CAPAC), the body which unites Public Accounts Committees (PACs) across the Commonwealth and is dedicated to fostering effective parliamentary oversight, promoting transparency, and ensuring value for money in public spending.

Mr Speaker said: ‘It is an honour to serve as Chair of CAPAC. I welcome this opportunity to apply my experience, not only as a long-standing parliamentarian and ardent advocate for financial accountability but also as a qualified Chartered Accountant, to the role. Importantly, I am looking forward to working alongside my fellow parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth as, together, we look to strengthen the capacities of PACs, facilitate the exchange of best practices, and drive impactful oversight that benefits citizens across member nations.

‘Public accounts committees play a critical role in holding governments to account and safeguarding public funds. My focus will be on enhancing collaboration, equipping PACs with the tools they need to succeed, and ensuring that the electorate can trust in the financial stewardship of their governments.’

‘As Chair of Tynwald’s PAC for the last eight years and member of the committee for 13 years, I have long championed robust governance and accountability. The committee’s work has included the inquiry into the Manx Health Service that paved the way for Sir Jonathan Michael’s review of the Island’s health and social care system, contemporaneous scrutiny during Covid that provided a rare but intense opportunity to examine Government decisions and, more recently, a deconstruction of issues around the new Isle of Man Ferry Terminal in Liverpool project.’

David Christopherson, (Retired) Chair, Standing Committee on Public Accounts of Canada, said: ‘Watterson’s election as Chair of the Commonwealth Association of Public Accounts Committees (CAPAC) is a sign of the international respect for his dedication to accountability. His part in creating an office of the Auditor General on the Isle of Man demonstrates a commitment to high standards in public finance for the Isle of Man. His expertise, vision, and dedication will be an invaluable driver of CAPAC – and accountability across the Commonwealth.  We look forward to collaborating in the years ahead.’

Mr Speaker will hold office until 2026.

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Notes for editors:

The Commonwealth Association of Public Accounts Committees (CAPAC) is dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of public accounts committees in ensuring accountability and transparency across the Commonwealth’s 56 member nations. CAPAC supports knowledge-sharing, training, and advocacy to promote good governance and prudent financial management.

Meetings are held virtually, except for a hybrid conference every two years which meets to elect the new executive board, and make any constitutional changes.

Photo credit Alan Saliba

For further information contact:

Joann Corkish
Deputy Clerk of Tynwald
Legislative Buildings
Douglas
IM1 3PW
Tel: 01624 685500
j.corkish@tynwald.org.im