During the weekly press briefing on October 16, 2013, the Minister of Justice, Mr. Dennis L. Richardson, informed the press of the nature of the intended investigation on integrity and corruption in the public sector by the government of Sint Maarten.
This was done in view of the fact that the Council of Ministers in its meeting of Tuesday, October 15, 2013, established a decree initiating such an investigation by an independent committee. In view of the fact that the draft decree has been sent to the Governor of Sint Maarten for consultation (given that the established Kingdom Decree instructs the Governor to commission an investigation as well) the draft decree of the government has not been published as yet, but it is deemed necessary to give the general public insight in some important aspects of the investigation intended by the government of Sint Maarten.
In the interest of accurate reporting by the media the mentioned aspects are hereby presented in writing.
1. There is an independent committee of inquiry that will consist of a maximum of six (6) members.
2. The Commission is referred to as "Integrity Committee Public Administration" (further here: the committee).
3. The initiating members of the committee are:
(a). Mr Jacob de Wit
(b). Mr Jan Beaujon
(c). Mr. Richard Gibson sr.
5. The committee has the authority to and is charged with the recruitment of an additional three (3) reputable independent members from one or more of the other countries of the Kingdom and/or from reputable international organizations. The committee will submit its recommendations for the appointment of the additional members to the Prime Minister.
6. The assignment of the committee is as follows:
The committee is charged with the investigation, reporting on and making of recommendations with regards to the proper functioning and the integrity of the public administration (government) of St. Maarten and the necessary guarantees in that respect. To that end the committee shall examine, amongst other things, the functioning of the various sectors of government, identify the sectors that are particularly vulnerable to corruptive influences and the methods that might be used for that purpose. Furthermore the committee shall investigate whether or not and if so, to which extent corruption exists in the public administration (political, qua policies and, administratively) and shall charter any relationship patterns in the government administration with organizations and/or individuals outside of government that facilitate corruption and or the breach of integrity. The committee shall review and assess existing measures to guarantee integrity and prevent corruption. The committee will report on its findings and make recommendations regarding detected shortcomings, weaknesses and bottlenecks for ensuring the integrity and soundness of government and for combating corruption and violations of its integrity.
7. The committee shall present an interim report within 3 months and a final report within six months of the publication of the decree.
Philipsburg, October 16, 2013
Dennis L. Richardson, a.i. Prime Minister
Minister of Justice of Sint Maarten.