Mercelina says Minister Plenipotentiary audit found no fraud accusation

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina told Parliament on Wednesday 30 September that the General Audit Chamber’s report on the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary in The Hague did not accuse anyone of fraud, theft or improper diversion of public money. Mercelina said the audit identified issues in governance, accountability and financial controls that Government must address.

According to the Audit Chamber, its review covered the 2021 to 2025 period and found that Government had not established a formal framework defining the status and ownership of public funds moving between Government, Stichting Kabinet St. Maarten and the Cabinet. The chamber also said it could not establish that the Minister Plenipotentiary or Cabinet Director was included in the mandate register for certain financial obligations on behalf of Sint Maarten.

Mercelina said Government received the final report on Friday 25 September. He said the recommendations will be discussed in the Council of Ministers and with other parties involved, including the Cabinet’s governance structure, oversight responsibilities, financial management and Government’s accountability to Parliament.

The Audit Chamber recommended that Government decide whether to formally regulate the foundation-based arrangement, bring the operation directly into Government, or create a legal framework for the Cabinet’s relationship with Government.

Mercelina also said the Cabinet’s budget had been reduced when carry-over funds were available for operating expenses. Those reserves have been exhausted, he said, and the budget must return to a level that covers the Cabinet’s operating obligations.