PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament (MP) Ardwell Irion, former Minister of Finance, delivered a compelling presentation during the 2025 budget debate, addressing a range of critical issues spanning government accountability, financial transparency, and policy implementation. His remarks underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law, ensuring equitable treatment of civil servants, and maintaining fiscal integrity.
Unified Work-from-Home Policy for Civil Servants
MP Irion began by addressing concerns raised by civil servants regarding inconsistencies in work-from-home policies across Ministries. While some Ministries allow staff to work remotely three to five days a week, others do not offer the same flexibility. He called for a unified policy to ensure fairness and prevent penalization of employees based on their affiliation with the Ministry of Employment. Highlighting the success of a pilot project conducted with the Ministry of Finance, MP Irion advocated for its continuation and expansion to other Ministries.
Accountability in Public Finances
A significant portion of MP Irion’s presentation focused on financial accountability, particularly the government’s decision to use an advance payment of $175,000 from 2025 concession fees from the Harbour Group of Companies to cover 2024 expenses. He described this action as a direct violation of the Constitution and financial laws, including the Comptabiliteitslandsverordening (National Ordinance on Budget and Accountability) and the RFT (Kingdom Law on Financial Supervision).
MP Irion emphasized the following points:
- Constitutional Breach: Article 100 of the Constitution grants Parliament the sole authority to approve public spending. The use of unbudgeted funds without a formal amendment undermines this authority.
- Violation of Financial Laws: Articles 12 and 16 of the Comptabiliteitslandsverordening explicitly prohibit the use of future-year revenues for current-year expenses unless they are formally included in the budget. The RFT further prohibits the misallocation of projected revenues without legal justification.
- Transparency and Integrity: MP Irion criticized the lack of transparency in the government’s actions, noting that the $175,000 was not accounted for as a future-year liability in a transparent manner. He called for independent audits by the Integrity Chamber and Ombudsman to investigate the matter.
“This isn’t just about $175,000,” MP Irion stated. “It’s about the rule of law, the integrity of the budget, and the role of Parliament. If the executive branch can bypass us and spend future money today without approval, then what is the point of having a budget at all?”
Economic Impact Studies for Major Events
Turning his attention to the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), MP Irion urged the Minister to expand the scope of economic impact studies beyond Soul Beach to include Carnival, the Regatta, SXM Festival, and the Oualichi Festival. He emphasized the importance of understanding the broader economic contributions of these events to the island’s economy.
Additionally, MP Irion raised questions about the potential local fees and registration requirements for Starlink, a satellite internet provider, should it begin operations in Sint Maarten.
Infrastructure and Emergency Projects
MP Irion also addressed the Ebenezer emergency landslide-stabilization project under the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI). He requested that the Ministry disclose the total budget allocated for the project and clarify whether the necessary civil works and building permits have been officially published or made publicly accessible. He further sought an estimate of the number of residents who would benefit from the intervention.
The Role and Value of Parliamentary Motions
In a passionate defense of parliamentary motions, MP Irion reminded Parliament and the public of their significance. He described motions as a vital tool for raising concerns, guiding policy, and holding the government accountable.
“A motion represents the voice and will of the people who elected us,” he stated. “It is not a symbolic gesture to be dismissed. It is a mechanism of balance, oversight, and responsibility.”
MP Irion emphasized that motions allow Parliament to act as a check on executive power, ensuring transparency and accountability without resorting to extreme measures. He criticized any attempts to undermine the value of motions, calling such attitudes an insult to the democratic process.
Closing Remarks
MP Irion concluded his presentation by reiterating the need for transparency, integrity, and adherence to the rule of law in government operations. He called on Ministers to provide clear and factual answers during the debate and to prioritize the concerns of the people of Sint Maarten.
“Madam Chair, we owe it to the people of Sint Maarten to uphold financial transparency, protect the constitutional process, and hold government accountable when it oversteps its legal bounds,” he said.
As the 2025 budget debate continues, MP Irion’s remarks have set the stage for robust discussions on governance, accountability, and the future direction of Sint Maarten.
