PHILIPSBURG:--- While the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association is very cognizant of the issues surrounding the discussion about the execution of an integrity audit, we are concerned that the real issue is being lost in the debate. It is important to differentiate between investigations into specific allegations and the creation of a government apparatus that is beneficial to the people. Efforts to improve transparency and accountability do not depend on studies from Transparency International, or a mandate for an investigation into integrity. Though the quick resolution to all pending criminal investigations, and issues like Taxand, Orca, and vote buying need to be investigated and made public as swiftly as possible to minimize public criticism of our judicial system and return confidence in government.
The SHTA believes that there are many areas available for immediate improvement in the areas of transparency and accountability that should be implemented. In some cases the legislature already exists, but implementation has not been tackled. If we are to present ourselves as earnest kingdom partners we should begin with the below mentioned.
Improvements that don't require Integrity Audit:
An Electoral Council, operated independently of Parliament and Government, needs to be finalized as soon as possible, to ensure that the registration of political parties wishing to take part in the next election, meet with the requirements as set forth in the National Ordinance and to carry out the financial supervision of party campaign funds.
Campaign Finance Reform legislation regulates how political campaigns are financed, reports on how the money is spent, prevents any type of vote "buying" taking place, and ensures the public disclosure of assets and incomes of candidates running for public office, public officials, politicians, legislators, judges, and their direct dependents.
A National Integrity Commission, a body that will investigate integrity complaints, requires the implementation of a commission that is financially and politically independent and has the authority to investigate corruption.
Elected officials should be focused on establishing clear policy guidelines versus ad hoc decisions making. There should be less opportunity for personal discretion and more policy, so elected officials can be more focused on setting policy rather than on issuing specific permits. Issuing or denying individual permits creates a structure that is susceptible to corruption.
Review of public procurement procedures, to ensure that the requirements offer equal opportunities for all businesses to apply and make the process more transparent, thus saving the government money and insuring accountability.
The gathering of key data is critical to proper decision making. St. Maarten has sufficient knowledge on what needs to be done. However, many reports end up in a drawer without actually being executed. What we lack is a proper data information system such as the TSIS (Tourist Statistical Information Service), which would allow us to strategically direct our marketing efforts in order to compete with other destinations in the region, validating or discrediting the return on investment for specific programs and projects.
Public Private Partnerships have proven to be excellent vehicles to improve efficiency and focus resources in a productive manner. For example, the Incorporation of the STA (St. Maarten Tourism Authority) would bring continuity to the tourism industry on St. Maarten, for both immediate and the long term goals, regardless of what takes place in the political arena. Consequently, the business of promoting St. Maarten and bringing tourists in, thus generating revenue for our country would continue uninterrupted.
Although St. Maarten has the SOAB, they are not permitted to execute assignments by choice. Instead they need to be requested to perform a specific audit. The SHTA believes that their efficiency and impact could be improved by having the ability to determine what should be audited, instead of being invited to do so.
Besides the more obvious goals that have already been identified, there are many examples around the world of efforts to improve transparency. For example, the state of Missouri has a transparency portal set up at http://mapyourtaxes.mo.gov/MAP/Portal/Default.aspx. In addition more European countries are implementing transparency portals and departments. It is clear that governments around the world are embracing the use of technology to give citizens unprecedented access to information and disclose the government administration procedures, ensuring transparency and accountability.
As the debates and negotiations between Holland and St. Maarten continue, the SHTA hopes that all the players and citizens don't lose sight of the real issue; the efficient and responsible use of the resources that the citizens have entrusted government to use for the collective good of St Maarten. Corruption diverts resources from where they are most needed and worst; it distorts the decision making process prioritizing otherwise undesirable or low priority projects.
The SHTA, the largest private business representative on the island, is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable economic development for its members in cooperation with the social partners and the creation of a fair marketplace. For more information please contact our offices at 542-0108 or visit our website at www.shta.com.
SHTA Press Release