~ Questions posed about unscreened CFO and Global Resourcing. ~
PHILIPSBURG: --- Members of Parliament Franklin Meyers called on the Council of Ministers to initiate a forensic audit at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE). Meyers said that there are several rumors regarding the finances of PJIAE and while he has no proof that there was mismanagement of funds, he believes that a forensic audit must be conducted to shed light on the company’s financial situation.
Prime Minister Leona Romeo Marlin signaled to the Minister of Finance Perry Geerlings that she intends to call for a forensic audit as requested by some Members of Parliament.
MP Christopher Emmanuel said enough is enough regarding PJIAE and that management and government must lay the cards on the table and inform the people of St. Maarten truthfully when PJIAE will receive the promised loan Government through the World Bank and the European Investment Bank.
Emmanuel asked several questions about the unscreened Chief Financial Officer (CFO) that is currently working at PJIAE even though the screening process for the Dutch CFO has not yet been completed. Emmanuel said locals cannot take up any possession in their country if they are not screened and if it the CFO can work then the incoming Minister of VROMI Chris Weaver should be given the same opportunity MP’s Frans Richardson and Franklyn Meyers also stated that it is wrong for Government and the CEO Brian Mingo not to follow the rules of Corporate Governance.
Emmanuel also asked several questions about the advisor to the CEO who is working under the company Global Resources. He said that he wants to know what the person aviation background is since he is receiving $11,500.00 monthly through the company. Emmanuel said the advisor who worked with PJIAE CEO a TELEM is being paid through Global Resources and as such he wants to know what connection there is to the company and SHTA. He asked PJIAE management for clarification on how much the advisor was paid for the first 6 months since working for PJIAE.
The MPs in Friday’s public meeting said they want clarity on PJIAE’s financial status and when exactly the renovation works will be completed.
The meeting was adjourned since Government said they need one week to provide the answers to the question posed by parliament.
