PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion has officially submitted a request for a Question Hour with the Minister of Finance, Ms. Marinka Gumbs, regarding the recent appointment process of the Chairman of the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS).
In his request to Parliament, MP Irion emphasized that serious questions remain about the transparency, legality, and procedures followed in this appointment. The Central Bank plays a pivotal role in safeguarding financial stability, supervising the banking sector, and protecting the credibility of both Sint Maarten and Curaçao’s financial systems.
“The appointment of a Central Bank Chairman is not a symbolic matter; it goes to the very heart of financial governance and trust. Parliament and the people of Sint Maarten deserve clear answers,” MP Irion stated.
Among the issues raised in the submitted questions are:
Whether the Council of Ministers followed the proper legal and procedural requirements in approving the appointment.
Why have the current board members of the CBCS not yet received their national decrees (landsbesluiten)?
Whether the required five-sixths majority within the Supervisory Board of the Central Bank was obtained before forwarding the nomination.
Whether the nominated individual has any affiliations or prior connections that may compromise the independence of the Central Bank.
What concrete steps is the Government of Sint Maarten taking to protect the credibility, independence, and integrity of the CBCS?
MP Irion further noted that the credibility of the Central Bank is fundamental to investor confidence, economic stability, and the reputation of Sint Maarten. “We must ensure that procedures are followed to the letter of the law, and that appointments to such a critical institution are beyond reproach,” he added.
He also expressed concern about the recent trend of meeting postponements and delays under the current government. “Given the current trend of meeting calling and postponements by this government, I sincerely hope that both the Chair of Parliament and the Minister of Finance will honor this request in accordance with the Rules of Order. According to those same Rules, the Question Hour must be scheduled for next week on Monday, and I expect it to be carried out accordingly. The people of Sint Maarten deserve transparency and timely answers,” Irion stressed.
The Question Hour will allow Parliament to seek oral responses directly from the Minister of Finance, as provided for under Article 69 of the Rules of Order of Parliament. MP Irion underscored the urgency of addressing this matter without delay.
“This is about ensuring proper governance and accountability at the highest level. I trust Parliament will give this the priority it deserves,” Irion concluded.
Click here to read letters sent for question hour.
