Gracita states; “ Let’s start with the obvious, we are a half year into 2019 and our draft 2019 budget is still not approved” PPA leader said; “the 2019 budget has a deficit trail that predates our present autonomous status.
In brief, Island territory Sint Maarten, as part of the former Country Netherlands Antilles saw its share of budgetary deficits. These budgets were supported by the then Federal Government located in Curacao. The years leading towards our new Constitutional status, saw the yearly submission of budgets by the Executive Council to the Island Council by Finance Commissioners. The majority of these budgets were not balanced. However they were still approved by the Island Council.
At the time, members of the Executive Council were simultaneously members of the Island Council. This was the monistic system. Knowing the outcome ahead of time, budgets were approved over and over again, omitting important debts to third parties. The behavior then was to ‘kick the can down the road’ for future generations to bear the consequences of such shortsighted and reckless behavior”.
Arrindell states“ today the Federal government is replaced by the Kingdom Council of Ministers and as a extra layer the Committee for Financial Supervision for Curacao and Sint Maarten, (CFT).
Regrettably, not much has changed in terms of learning from our past mistakes. Some commissioners of finance served this post consecutively for many years, and who are still at the helm of Government since 10/10/10 in one capacity or the other. The handling our countries budget and financial reports lacked so much substance, that the then General Audit Chamber of the Netherlands Antilles simply refused to give its approval of the annual accounts.
For example many debts were left off the books. These debts became part of the package deal to be written off in negotiations by the Dutch government in order for Sint Maarten to start with a clean financial slate.”
Gracita continues;“ Our newly established and highly regarded members of our first General Audit Chamber of Sint Maarten did an excellent job in submitting its first report of the annual account and financial statements for 2010. Since then the GACSM submitted timely its year reports to Parliament.”
“It’s important to consult this first report and its recommendations and compare its findings to our budget preparations to date. One of our biggest shortcomings remains sound financial management. Additionally, there are those who are pro and others against having CFT supervision. Why not incorporate the CFT in the Ministry of Finance? After almost nine years of existence ( was meant to be 5 years ) it is fast becoming an institution on its own. That was never the intention.
As a special project within the governmental structure the transfer of knowledge is guaranteed as well as solid preparation of our budgets before it is sent to Parliament. Doing so will cut a great deal of the current red tape in the preparatory phases. If we have nothing to hide, why not consider the pro’s and con’s of such a proposal?”
Gracita said; “ Our 2019 budget lacks discipline, creativity in bringing in new revenues. In order to receive much needed budget support, it has many pre-conditions to be met while it stops short of presenting more forward thinking policies. We should do well to look in other directions for new income including but not limited to; getting our income share of the Netherlands Antilles lottery if this is not yet a fact; establish paid parking, including one to be built in tiers at the location of the former post office, increase fines for traffic and litter violations.”
“The 2019 draft budget should be the last of its kind for all its intent and purposes.
What is our vision going forward translated into policies and projects that affects positively the quality of life of our citizens? Behind all the figures, are real faces and real lives of men, women,children. I firmly believe that budget debates can and must be elevated to a much higher standard when emphasis is on the philosophy behind the numbers. Small issues and large ones will get the attention of our citizens to be genuinely interested in our budgets and debates”.
“For example; Is it our desire to establish ‘green-zones’ or parks in each neighborhood including Philipsburg? Do we aspire to have one of the best competing sports teams (take your pick) in the world? Will we be the cleanest Island with the least corruption? Do we aspire to increase homeownership to the majority of our Population. Do we aim to live up to our calling card ‘ Friendly Island’, if yes what must we do to attain those goals? When these and other important issues become the underlying philosophy of our most important policy document, we will be heading in the right direction of being one of the best places in the world to raise our children!”
PPA leader concludes; It is quiet unsettling to realize that since 10/10/10 our approved and officially published budgets (see publication sheets 2011-2018) barely shows any significant growth, only once reaching the Nafl 500. million mark. ‘Who pays the piper, plays the tune’ is a well-known saying.
Sint Maarten and its people will do well to start demanding from our handsomely paid elected and appointed representatives, a different tune in the handling of the financial management of our Country.”
