Colonia, Yap State: The Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) has completed a successful mission visit to Yap State in the Federated States of Micronesia with some audit capacity building and advocacy for good governance from 16 to 18 July 2025.
Led by Program Director, Sophia H Pretrick, the mission’s 2 key objectives were to provide in-house training and technical assistance to the staff of the Yap State Office of the Public Auditor and to engage in high-level advocacy with public sector leaders on the importance of audit independence and good governance principles.
The training sessions focused on strengthening the skills of staff in the audit office’s Compliance Investigation Unit, which investigates fraud, waste and mismanagement in government operations.
Staff participated in workshops covering ethics in government, fraud awareness, investigation planning, evidence handling and interview techniques, alongside an introduction to the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) professional development program.
Ms Pretrick commended the local audit staff members’ dedication to developing their investigation capabilities, saying, “PASAI is proud to support members through mentoring, technical assistance and by helping to align their manuals and practices with international standards.
“Supporting staff to gain CFE certification aligns with our vision of transparent and accountable public administration for the benefit of all Pacific peoples.”
Accompanied by the Public Auditor, Bryan Dabugsiy, and Chief Investigator, Marie Laamar, Ms Pretrick explained PASAI’s role in the broader Pacific region in a meeting with the Acting Governor, the Attorney General, the Director of the Office of Administrative Services, the Director of Planning and Budget and the Human Trafficking Coordinator.
As part of her advocacy activities, Ms Pretrick also delivered a targeted session for members of the 11th Yap State Legislature on the role of government audit offices in fostering accountability, transparency and integrity.
She presented the results formal assessments of regional audit offices’ levels of independence, highlighting the local office’s status and the importance of legislative support for an upcoming bill designed to strengthen its independence.
“I’m encouraged by the commitment expressed by Yap State legislators to working with the Office of the Public Auditor on legislative reform and to make use of its audits to improve public governance,” Ms Pretrick said.
PASAI acknowledges the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
PASAI Program Director, Sophia H Pretrick (fourth from left); Public Auditor, Bryan Dabugsiy (third from right); and Chief Investigator, Marie Laamar (far right); meeting with Acting Governor, Francis Itimai (seated, centre); and other Cabinet members
At a presentation to members of the 11th Yap State Legislature, including Speaker, Nicholas Figirlaarwon; and chairs and vice chairs of various legislative committees
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Contact information:
Sophia H Pretrick, Program Director PASAI
E: sophia.pretrick@pasai.org P: +64 9 304 1275
PDF version of this media release
