PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Finance Richard Gibson Sr. announced on Wednesday that the CFT gave a positive response to the semi-annual report on the 2017 budget that was sent to them. Gibson said that in that report which was approved by the Council of Ministers it clearly outlined the possible risks involved and the amendments that would have to go to Parliament to sustain the 2017 budget. The Minister said that the CFT applauded government for being open and transparent and they also believe that St. Maarten government acknowledges the risks then they are better to equip to make budget amendments in a timely manner to accommodate the budget. The Minister said that due to the internet issues government faced over the past months has delayed the quarterly financial reports.
Asked by SMN News how is government fearing with paying its creditors based on the 2017 budget. The Minister said that the country settled its debts up 2014. However, government has problems with persons that provided services to government. The Minister said that there are people that are billing government for services they render in 2014. He said his first question was why the companies and or persons did not invoice government before now and the responses he is getting is not at all acceptable. He said he was told that invoices were sent but it went into the “junk mail”. He said that he already indicated to the companies and persons that they may well have to approach the court and prove that the government of St. Maarten owes them. Gibson said one of the things that have to be established is if people are trying to scam the government of St. Maarten. The Minister explained that even Ministers that hired the services of persons or company have to spend legally. He said a Minister must get the approval from the Council of Ministers to spend more than NAF. 50,000.00 before hiring people besides that he said Ministers also have to ensure the money they spent is budgeted. Gibson said that is an aura of suspicion on some of the bills that have surfaced.