The Board of Financial Supervision for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (Cft) has, in discussions with the executive councils of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, called attention to the need to strengthen the implementation capacity of the public entities. This is necessary because the islands’ budgets have increased significantly since 2010. The Cft emphasizes the importance of a realistic budget that takes into account, more than before, the limits of each island’s implementation capacity. In Bonaire in particular, ambitions do not align with actual execution of the budget.
Implementation Capacity
Implementation capacity is more than just staffing levels. It also requires stable governance and clear decision-making processes. It is also important that financial management is in order so that the administration can make timely adjustments. Creating sufficient implementation capacity is not an easy task given the scale of the islands. Prioritization, however, can help.
The Cft presented its analysis of the implementation capacity of the public entities to the executive councils and island councils. The following emerged from this analysis.
Implementation Capacity in Bonaire Falls Short
Bonaire’s implementation capacity falls short in almost all areas. From a financial-economic perspective, the Cft is concerned about the large number of special grants whose term has expired—money that may have to be reclaimed and therefore will not benefit the people of Bonaire. In addition, the Cft sees sharply increasing earmarked reserves and expenditures that are not included in an adopted budget. It is important that Bonaire makes stable governance and strengthening implementation capacity throughout the organization top priorities. The fact is that the population has grown significantly and the budget has doubled in the span of five years. The Cft acknowledges the complex challenge faced by the administration in keeping up with this growth.
The central message the Cft delivered to the executive council is: “Focus on what must be done, and do it well!” Otherwise, it is ultimately the people of Bonaire who will suffer.
St. Eustatius Well on Its Way to Being ‘In Control’
The implementation capacity of Sint Eustatius is visibly gaining momentum. The Cft notes that Sint Eustatius has taken major steps over the past year to improve financial management. An important milestone is that Sint Eustatius has, for the first time, received an unqualified audit opinion on its 2024 financial statements. Additionally,
Sint Eustatius is exercising caution in its use of earmarked reserves. Continued commitment and broad support at all levels remain necessary because the recovery is still fragile, and staffing of the civil service is vulnerable due to many open vacancies. The Cft’s message to Sint Eustatius is therefore: “Continue on the path toward being ‘in control’.”
Saba: How a Small Island Can Excel
Saba’s implementation capacity is largely in order. There is consistent quality in key positions, solid budget discipline, and repeated unqualified audit opinions on the financial statements. The smallest BES island continues to perform the best. The Cft’s central message to Saba is therefore: “Keep up the good work!”
Press release: The Board of Financial Supervision for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (Cft)