MP Ardwell Irion Tables Motion to Uphold Financial Integrity and Accountability.

Background and Context

The motion stems from concerns raised about the government’s financial and in-kind contributions to the Soul Beach event, which totaled over half a million guilders. While relevant Ministries have provided answers to questions raised by Members of Parliament, MP Irion noted that some aspects remain open to interpretation and require further clarification through an impartial institution, such as the General Audit Chamber.

The motion highlights the following key considerations:

• Financial Contributions: The government’s support for the event included public resources such as external security services and hotel accommodations.
• Legal Basis and Transparency: Questions have been raised about the legal basis, eligibility, and process for approving the subsidies, as well as the transparency of the decisions made.
• Subsidy Ordinance: Article 5 of the Subsidy Ordinance allows for ministerial deviations from standard requirements, provided such deviations are properly motivated and documented. However, varying interpretations and practices across Ministries have led to inconsistencies and uncertainty.
• Public Financial Accountability: The National Ordinance on Public Finance (Comptabiliteitslandsverordening) outlines procedures for financial accountability, including the formalization of expenditures through decrees and other legal safeguards.

Key Resolutions in the Motion

MP Irion’s motion calls for the following actions:

1. Independent Review by the General Audit Chamber:

   • Conduct a comprehensive review of the financial and administrative processes related to the Soul Beach event, including:
     • The application and approval process, including any legal advice obtained.
     • Budgetary allocations, payment mechanisms, and ministerial or inter-ministerial decisions.
     • All financial and in-kind contributions.
     • Documentation and adherence to applicable legal procedures.

2. Development of a Supplementary Policy to the Subsidy Ordinance:

   • Based on the findings of the review, the government is requested to develop and implement a supplementary policy that:
     • Clearly defines eligibility criteria, including distinctions between for-profit and non-profit entities.
     • Establishes consistent procedural and documentation standards for incidental subsidies.
     • Clarifies the roles and responsibilities of Ministries and departments in subsidy approvals and related decisions.
     • Promotes transparency and reporting obligations for large-scale events receiving public support.

3. Submission of Findings and Policy Draft to Parliament:

   • The motion requests that the findings of the General Audit Chamber’s review, along with a draft of the proposed supplementary policy, be submitted to Parliament for further consideration.

Strengthening Transparency and Accountability

MP Irion emphasized the importance of the General Audit Chamber’s role in assessing the legality, efficiency, and transparency of public financial management. He noted that a supplementary policy under the Subsidy Ordinance could provide much-needed clarity and consistency, helping to guide future decision-making regarding incidental or exceptional subsidies.

“This motion is not about pointing fingers but about ensuring that public resources are managed transparently and efficiently,” MP Irion stated. “By addressing these issues now, we can strengthen public trust and improve the processes that guide government support for large-scale events.”

Conclusion

The motion presented by MP Irion reflects a commitment to upholding financial integrity and ensuring that public funds are allocated in a transparent and accountable manner. By calling for an independent review and the development of a supplementary policy, the motion seeks to address existing gaps in the subsidy allocation process and promote better governance.

The motion has been submitted to Parliament, the Government of Sint Maarten, and the Governor of Sint Maarten for further action. As the debate continues, MP Irion’s initiative is expected to spark important discussions on financial accountability and policy reform.