PHILIPSBURG:--- On June 12, 2014, PwC St. Maarten and VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne organized a seminar titled Boardroom Essentials. The seminar addressed the St. Maarten Corporate Governance Code, what constitutes good corporate governance, how to get there, and the role of the (supervisory) board.
The turn-out exceeded expectations, with over 65 participants in attendance, including the Minister of Health, Social Development and Labor of St. Maarten, Mr. De Weever, and representatives of Saba and St. Eustatius. There was a dynamic interaction between speakers and participants, and many of the participants requested follow up sessions covering similar (sub) topics.
After a brief opening speech by Paul van Vliet, director of PwC, Kamla Besançon, partner of VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne introduced the speakers. Frank Kunneman, managing partner of VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne, provided and overview of the developments in corporate governance worldwide and in the Dutch Caribbean, specifically St. Maarten. He discussed the challenges the Corporate Governance Code brings with it, and suggested possible solutions. Robbert Kroon of VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne identified some of the challenges (supervisory) boards face and provided suggestions on how to deal with them. He also provided useful insight and tangible tools on how to build greater boards. The final speaker, Herbert Beldman of PwC, talked about the relationship between the board and the accountant, and the relationship between the St. Maarten Corporate Governance Code and international accountings standards.
Besançon, the day's chairlady and head of VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne St. Maarten states: "The audience showed great interest in the presented topics, and asked relevant and valid questions. A large number of attendees asked for follow up, which underscores the relevance of understanding the importance and value of good corporate governance. Because of the numerous requests for follow-up,
PwC and VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne have committed to provide follow up in both broader, and individual setting for interested parties." Van Vliet of PwC adds:" We are very happy with the response we have received and with the level and quality of the participants that were present. The animated discussions during the Q&A indicate that there is a need for seminars similar to this one. PwC and VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne will follow up on this and the next events are scheduled to take place in September this year".