Published 2nd September 2005, 12:0pm

The National Pensions Office now has Cayman's first certified Inspector General on staff, following the successful completion of training for this distinction by local Pensions Inspector Pierre Lautischer. Although the post of Inspector General in the National Pensions Office has yet to be created locally, Mr. Lautischer’s accomplishment is commended by the Minister responsible for Employment, the Hon. Alden McLaughlin and by the Superintendent of Pensions, Cyril Theriault. Extending his congratulations to the officer, Mr. McLaughlin said: "This impressive new certification enhances the status of our pensions service, as well as the links with international associations. It also serves to demonstrate the National Pensions Office's high level of commitment to its responsibilities." Last month Mr. Lautischer attended the requisite training at the Certified Inspectors General Institute at the College of Criminal Justice in New York. There, the Cayman Islands' delegate joined colleagues from other jurisdictions who were seeking, or contributing to, similar accreditation. Since joining the Pensions Office last year, his responsibilities have included identifying the functions of pension inspectors, creating procedural forms to be used in inspections and prosecutions, as well as producing a policy and procedural manual for inspectors. Prior to becoming the first local Pensions Inspector and completing certification as a Fraud Examiner, Mr. Lautischer previously served as a RCIPS officer. He noted that the audit and inspection roles of an Inspector General entail the evaluation and review of systems, with detailed scrutiny of specific areas such as staff qualifications, due professional care, timeliness, fraud, risk management and internal management controls. Historically, the role of the Inspector General dates back to 1668, when the military identified the need for accountability. The international Association of Inspectors General (AIG) developed the industry standards - known commonly as the 'Green Book.'