PHILIPSBURG:--- The General Audit Chamber published a mini audit on the monitoring of air quality, examining whether the government has adequate systems in place to measure, manage, and report on air quality over time. The audit does not assess whether the air on St. Maarten is good or bad, but focuses on governance, monitoring capacity, and policy arrangements.
The report finds that, although air quality is mentioned in national strategies and policy documents, there is currently no fully operational government system to structurally monitor air quality. Previous efforts to procure monitoring equipment have faced delays, and existing standards and policies are being updated to reflect international guidelines.
According to the Chairman of the General Audit Chamber, Mr. Alphons Gumbs:
“This audit looks at whether government has the tools and systems needed to understand air quality over time. Reliable data supports informed decision-making on public health, environmental policy, urban development, and sustainability.”
St. Maarten has committed to international goals related to sustainable development, public health, and environmental protection. Establishing clear monitoring and reporting mechanisms can support transparency and long-term planning in these areas.
The full report is available on the website of the General Audit Chamber: www.arsxm.org