PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Finance Martin Hassink tried to outline the work that is being carried out by his Ministry to ensure that there are proper checks and balances within the Ministry of Finance. The Minister said he felt it was necessary to tell the people of St. Maarten exactly how his Ministry functions because of a certain newspaper article.
The Finance Minister outlined step by step the procedures that are being followed. He said one can only imagine the amount of transactions that are done on a daily basis, such as paying salaries, rents for government offices and cars, and also the contracts to the various vendors. These transactions have to be booked in a timely manner before it enters the government ledger.
While making the presentation Minister Hassink called on those in power not to fire him because he still has good health and would like to remain in office for the rest of the term.