WILLEMSTAD:--- The Algemene Rekenkamer of Curaçao (ARC) is stepping up its efforts to monitor how public funds are managed and spent. In its 2024 annual report, the ARC outlined new strategies and priorities that place transparency and accountability at the center of its work. Central to this approach is the expansion of effectiveness studies—deep analyses that determine not just whether government money is used as intended, but also whether those expenditures truly achieve their goals.
Strategic Oversight of Public Funds
According to the ARC, achieving sound financial governance requires more than traditional audits. Their new direction will rely on systematic effectiveness studies that go beyond simple numbers to evaluate if policies and programs deliver tangible value for the community. By examining every major initiative through the lenses of Economy, Efficiency, and Effectiveness—the “three Es”—the ARC aims to provide a complete picture of government spending.
This strategic focus ensures that every guilder spent by the government is subject to scrutiny. By highlighting whether projects meet their promises and budgets are managed wisely, the ARC provides parliamentarians and policymakers with the factual insights needed to oversee public expenditure responsibly.
Increasing Transparency and Accountability
One of the ARC’s primary objectives is to enhance the transparency of public funds stewardship for both decision-makers and citizens. Their rigorous effectiveness studies reveal how money allocated to different projects is being utilized and whether the expected outcomes are being achieved. Through their detailed, high-quality reports, the ARC sheds light on risk areas and inefficiencies, enabling both the public and parliament to hold the government accountable.
The ARC also actively promotes awareness among parliament members regarding their critical role in Curaçao’s governance. By providing actionable information and clear findings, the ARC empowers leaders to make informed decisions, ensuring that taxpayer money is protected and utilized productively.
Challenges and Commitment
While the ARC is committed to its watchdog function, it faces significant staffing challenges. Operating with less than half of its formal staff capacity, the organization has had to balance its expanded ambitions with limited resources. Despite this, the ARC continues to find ways to maximize impact, focusing its reduced workforce on the most pressing risk areas related to government expenditure.
Budget constraints have compelled the ARC to utilize its resources with utmost care, ensuring that the resources it does have are dedicated to thorough and meaningful analyses. Recruitment remains a priority, as strengthening the team will be crucial to expanding the scope and depth of government spending oversight in the years to come.
The Road Ahead
Looking to the future, the ARC’s approach to monitoring and evaluating government spending will serve as a foundation for better governance in Curaçao. Their effectiveness studies will continue to assess whether public funds are spent wisely and goals are reached, and their transparent reporting will foster trust and engagement among stakeholders.
By holding the government accountable and enabling data-driven decisions, the ARC is playing a crucial role in ensuring that every public guilder is spent for the benefit of Curaçao’s society