BTP Supervisory Board Calls on Government make SOAB Report Public
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Supervisory Board of the BTP SXM, after prior consultation with the Minister TEATT, has decided on this press release as it is evident that crucial available information within Government is not made available to all or considered which leads to the continued unfounded allegation of fraud at the BTP SXM.
In an effort to address these unfounded allegations once and for all the Supervisory Board of BTPSXM wishes to inform all that the laws applicable to the functioning of BTP SXM are followed. Neither this Supervisory Board nor Management of the BTPSXM ever took a decision to purchase a building. Based on the law such decisions are taken by the Minister of TEATT, not the Supervisory Board or Management. Two previous Ministers of TEATT, with full knowledge and support of the Council of Ministers (COM) took the decision to purchase the building in which the BTP SXM is housed and several Government departments were intended to be housed. The financial institution which financed the purchase based on the instructions of Government executed a due diligence, required appraisal reports from an appraiser of its approved listing, and confirmation letters from Government to undertake the financing for the purchase.
Given the information on file with the Government, the investigative report findings by the SOAB on this matter, it is beyond believe to this Supervisory Board that entities within Government or linked to Government still express in public allegations of fraud. It is due time that the SOAB report, appraisal reports and advices are shared with all so that a complete and proper understanding may be obtained and not one based on malicious mêlée or a suggestive integrity report. The Integrity report references also must be addressed as here too the Government clearly did not provide documentation it had to its availability to the Integrity committee, yet choose to send this committee to the Supervisory Board for the documentation, knowing that the Supervisory Board is not authorized to release the requested information. This Supervisory Board rightfully redirected the investigators to the Government for their request on release of documents on the BTPSXM. This Supervisory Board whilst willing to work and cooperate in every way possible will not violate the law to please any entity or person. The Supervisory Board hopes that the Government will duly share all information on this matter with all pertinent entities so the BTP SXM may focus on its task execution instead of the constant burdens of investigation upon investigation. There needs to be an end to unfounded allegation of fraud in this case as names and reputations of persons are unnecessarily tarnished simply because of a refusal to read available information, address allegations after investigative reports findings fail to support the fraud allegation and to take responsibility for decisions taken.
BTPSXM Press Release
