PHILIPSBURG: --- The Tax Department of St. Maarten faces growing scrutiny amid allegations of questionable operational practices and governance. Sources within and close to the department have expressed concerns to SMN News, highlighting the troubling reality that Miss Sherry Hazel, the head of the department, also occupies multiple acting positions for subordinate roles. This consolidation of authority raises significant concerns about the department's integrity and checks and balances.
A Kingdom Without Accountability?
Under normal circumstances, the Tax Inspectorate would function with department and section heads—such as Receivers, Audit, and Inspection—reporting to the overall head to ensure diverse perspectives and unbiased operations. However, in this case, key subordinate roles are reportedly vacant or filled by Miss Hazel herself. This unusual situation effectively creates a hierarchy in which key functions report back to the same individual, eliminating essential safeguards.
Sources argue this has turned the Tax Department into a "one-person kingdom" where micromanagement reigns unchecked. This lack of oversight contributes to systemic inefficiencies, poor decision-making, and biased administration.
Errors and Questionable Practices
A series of incidents have brought the department's operational integrity into question. SMN News has received reports of deceased individuals being summoned for tax-related court proceedings. These cases often lack proper due diligence to identify next of kin or verify basic details, underscoring a troubling lack of administrative competence, even though the dates of deaths are also mentioned in the same letter and or summons.
For years, businesses and individuals have reported receiving erroneous tax assessments, with some directed at entities that have long since ceased operations. This issue has caused unnecessary stress and financial strain on taxpayers while highlighting flaws in the department's record-keeping and audit processes.
Taxpayers who fall behind often face difficulty obtaining payment plans to resolve their debts. Sources within the department suggest that while many cases present valid reasons for payment plans, the department head often denied approvals arbitrarily, without clear justification.
Minister of Finance Responds
Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs, in response to inquiries about the situation, acknowledged broader systemic issues across government ministries regarding prolonged acting roles. The Minister stated:
"During a parliamentary session, I was called a ‘nepobaby,’ based on allegations of nepotism in the appointment of personnel to the Tax Department—allegations that were ultimately unfounded. However, this incident shed light on the broader issue of individuals serving in acting roles for extended periods without proper review or oversight."
The Minister confirmed efforts to investigate and address the prevalence of acting roles across ministries, including the Tax Department. A policy framework is being developed to eliminate such practices and restore balance and transparency in government operations.
"During a parliamentary session, I was called a ‘nepobaby,’ based on allegations of nepotism in appointing personnel to the Tax Department—allegations that were ultimately unfounded. However, this incident shed light on the broader issue of individuals serving in acting roles for extended periods without proper review or oversight."
The Minister confirmed efforts to investigate and address the prevalence of acting roles across ministries, including the Tax Department. A policy framework is being developed to eliminate such practices and restore balance and transparency in government operations.
