Dear Editor,
As of January 2016, Statia has gone from a “verplichtingstop” to a “voorafgaandtoezicht”. The UPC would like very much for government to explain to the general public in Statia English exactly what that means, because they deserve the right to know. UPC would like government to explain the outcome of the evaluation of the “voorafgaandtoezicht” that resulted in it being over the entire 2016 budget, when up until May it was only partial.
According to the report, the submitting of execution reports are constantly late and way below quality. Based on what has been submitted, it very unclear to obtain a clear picture of the government finances and administration for both 2015 and 2016. According to the report, the abovementioned is mainly because of lack of qualified manpower in the Finance Department.
UPC is very interested in hearing from government what the state of affairs of the Finance Department is since an interim unit manager has been hired in June as to the providing of up-to-par reports. UPC would like to know when the process will start with regard to hiring a permanent unit manager for the Finance Department.
UPC is asking government to explain to the general public what is being done to upgrade the Finance Department and the supporting department staff. Meaning the departments that are responsible for supplying accurate information to the Finance Department.
UPC would like the general public to understand exactly what provisions have been made in the plan of action report in terms of the abovementioned upgrade. UPC would like the public to be explained why the action plan towards the administrative and financial improvement has not been made public, so that the people could have an idea of the contents.
UPC would like the public to be explained in detail why the financial year report due in July of every year will be late according to CFT’s report. UPC has taken note that government has requested an extension until November 2016. Will it be ready by then?
UPC would like government to explain to the public the consequences for the late submittal as to the management of the remaining 2016 budget and the drafting of the 2017 budget, since the one is tied in to the other.
We are now in October. Can the public get an update on the financial and administrative situation of Statia in terms of the quarterly reporting and the yearly financial report? We would like government to explain to the public what percentage has the Plan of Approach been executed, are there evaluation periods for the plan. And if so, what is the progress outcome?
Due to the lack of proper financial administration, no proper formulation can be given to the financial contents of reports. In the opinion of the UPC, the deplorable financial situation of the administration has led to the fact that the budget will no longer to be able to be balanced as is required by law. An inflated quarterly didn’t see the need to draft a budget amendment.
There is a huge concern in terms of financial management. For that an improvement plan for financial management 2015-2016 now forms part of the upgraded plan of approach for financial management. With all the measures taken very little progress has been seen. UPC is of the opinion that this integral report should be made public as well. UPC strongly requests that the public be explained the meaning of changed management, and how government is planning to execute this.
UPC remains with the opinion that the public is being kept in the dark for lack of information as to what is taking place on our island. Open governance has made it possible for government to publish information for the people to read, learn and be made wise.
This report basically shows no improvement with all the measures taken. The people deserve the right to know why that is, and what is being done to solve the problem. Government should strategize being a step ahead. When according to the coalition government, the Dutch move the goal post, the ball should already be there.
Elvin Henriquez,
Deputy Leader UPC
