Finance Department completes course
On Friday afternoon in the Claude Wathey Legislative Hall, members of the Finance Department who participated in 80% of the 3 module of first year Financial Administration course: "Financien in theorie en praktijk" were given certificates of attendance.
The modules took place in October 2007, April 2008, and June 2008, and were executed by Henk Bruning of Bestuursacademie Nederland and VNG International (BAN/VNG International) and Adri Geleijnse (BAN).
The project is financed by the Ministry of Finance, the Netherlands; for the purpose of strengthen the financial administration of the Island Territory.
Instructor Bruning said that it was a pleasure to be here. "It was important to have such a course, and to have more theory and practice so that the financial administration can be improved. We did three modules and sometimes the situation was a bit difficult, but we got through it and you can be proud of these civil servants. You have a lot of good people in the organization," he said.
Hiro Shigemoto, Interim Director, of Management Resources, provided the outline of the presentations by certain representatives of each group, including recommendations to himself and the Island Secretary.
Shigemoto as well had to excuse the Leader of Government, Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams, and the Commissioner of Finance, Roy Marlin, both of whom had to travel on that day to an important meeting, but nevertheless left word with Director Shigemoto.
He said that Commissioner Wescot-Williams congratulated you and wanted to stress how important it was for you to continuously improve yourselves. If opportunity presents itself, take it. We are after all building St. Maarten, block by block.
Shigemoto as well passed on some words by Commissioner Marlin, who let known that he was extremely proud of you, and to continue the financial course.
Shigemoto reiterated what was said, and added that "I too am proud of you, and let known that the department was going to continue course in the second and third year. So hopefully in the end, you wonâ??t have a certificate but something higherâ??a diploma. I want you to apply what you have learned in class to real life situation."
There were several presentation by the different branches of Finance, and recommendations as well by each person who presented on behalf of the group.
In the end, Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus said that upon reflecting what to say, pondered why it was normal for athletes to practice and for persons who work in offices, not.
Commissioner Buncamper said that potential and training equals right strategic spot. This element is essential. We could also train each other. We should be self-sufficient. Knowledge is power, no one can stop you, and it can take you wherever you want to go.
Joan Dovale-Meit pointed out that to take what you have learned and to apply it to work. And always keep the best interest of St. Maarten at heart.
