WILLEMSTAD - The General Audit Chamber of Curaçao (ARC) has provided the Parliament of Curaçao with a clear guide to strengthen its oversight of the government. In a new report, the Audit Chamber explains how Parliament can make better and more targeted requests for investigations into the functioning of government foundations and companies. This guidance follows a technical briefing in June, during which the Audit Chamber indicated facing some limitations in conducting its investigations.
The report outlines that there are clear rules for monitoring entities performing public tasks that fall under private law, such as government companies and foundations. The ARC emphasizes that it is crucial for Parliament to formulate motions—official requests for investigations—clearly. This clarity helps the Audit Chamber carry out its work effectively within the legal framework. When motions are too broad or vague, the ARC often cannot conduct the comprehensive investigations requested by Parliament.
Furthermore, the Audit Chamber advises that Parliament should primarily focus on the policies of ministers concerning these organizations in their requests. This is important because ministers act on behalf of the country of Curaçao as shareholders or supervisors.
Stronger Oversight Needed
The report also offers recommendations for ministers. The Audit Chamber explains that ministers can often do more to supervise government companies and foundations, for example, by establishing clear agreements regarding (enforceable) information provision and responsibilities when subsidies are granted or contracts are signed.
The Audit Chamber suggests that ministers can gain better control by utilizing what are known as service level agreements. These agreements detail the information that must be shared and the frequency of sharing. This approach enables ministers to fulfill their role as supervisors more effectively and better inform Parliament about the operations of these organizations.
Additionally, the Audit Chamber clarifies that there are limits to what it can do independently. For instance, the ARC cannot demand direct access to documents from a government company; these documents must always be requested through the relevant minister, as ministers serve as the official representatives of the country. Therefore, the report urges ministers to handle their responsibilities carefully and ensure that they manage and share the necessary information appropriately.