WILLEMSTAD – A detailed audit by the Algemene Rekenkamer Curaçao has uncovered widespread irregularities in the allocation and management of more than NAf. 1 million in government subsidies granted to three local organizations.
The subsidies, totaling NAf. 1,064,600, were approved by the Council of Ministers in October 2010 for Fundashon Formashon i Alegria despues di Skol (FFA), Centro Social y Deportivo Barber (CSDB), and Fundashon Centro di Victory Boys (FCVB). The funds were intended to support education, sports development, and community initiatives.
However, the audit concludes that the entire subsidy process—from application to final accountability—did not comply with established laws, regulations, and government policy. Applications were submitted late, lacked required documentation, and were still accepted and approved without proper review.
In addition, no substantive evaluation was conducted by the responsible ministry before approval, and required agreements outlining conditions for the subsidies were never signed. The Council of Ministers also deviated from existing subsidy policy without providing justification.
The problems did not end with approval. The audit found that payments, oversight, and final settlement of the subsidies were also carried out improperly. In several cases, essential documentation was missing, and government agencies failed to monitor whether the funds were used as intended.
The report raises broader concerns about governance and financial discipline within the public sector, highlighting a lack of adherence to basic administrative procedures in handling public funds.