Philipsburg:--- Even though not official the CFT has already indicated that the figures of the 2009 budget is satisfactory according to their standards said commissioner of finance Roy Marlin said at yesterday's press briefing.Marlin said the island government was requested to provide a number of answers to questions and elucidations pertaining to the 2009 budget. He said he has not seen any major changes that have to be made but they would need to take into consideration the income and expenditures based on the figures that were presented. He said consideration would also have to be placed on the economic down turn and its consequences that the island government would be feeling. Marlin said this though would call for greater financial management of government finances during the year 2009.
Marlin said the executive council reviewed the income verses the expenditures for the first two months and they already noticed a slight difference. He alluded that this was because of the sale of number plates which has not yet arrived. The finance commissioner said they had projected the number plate sale for the month of January. A difference he said was also seen in the processing fees for working permits. Marlin said the island government plans to monitor their finances on a month to month basis to make sure they stay in line with the agreed terms and agreements of the CFT and their budget discipline.
He said the CFT in its preliminary advice said the overall quality and figures that were presented are to their satisfaction. Marlin said he is presently waiting to get the final advice which would be made public and sent to the island council.
