This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on studies, meetings of experts, information and publications directly linked to the achievement of the objective of the programme or measures coming under this article, and any other expenditure on technical and administrative assistance not involving public authority tasks outsourced by the Commission under ad hoc service contracts. They met the State Secretary for the Interior and Kingdom Relations, the State Secretary for Finance, members of the First and Second Chambers, the Ministers Plenipotentiary, the General Court of Auditors and the Council of State. The meetings discussed a multiannual path towards sustainable public finances and the main priorities for the Caribbean countries and public authorities.
Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten are focusing on recovery after years of crisis. In this context, the Colleges consider it important to reduce the level of debt and increase the level of investment. This will require budget surpluses from 2024. Curaçao has recently achieved good results in increasing tax revenues. There is still great potential for Aruba and St. Maarten. This requires reforms and a strong commitment to increasing compliance in the short term. The management of burdens remains of paramount importance for all three countries. Investments that strengthen the economy will help the recovery. Therefore, the colleges recommend that multiannual investment agendas be developed. Another important priority is the sustainability of the social funds. Without reforms, they will prove priceless in the future.
More specific priorities apply to Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba. Financial management remains a focus for all islands. For Saba in guaranteeing the level and for Bonaire and St. Eustatius in the improvement being made.
The challenges in the area of public finances in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, and thus the importance of financial supervision, remain significant. By setting priorities and strengthening relations, the Colleges hope to contribute to sustainable sound public finances in the period ahead.
President Lidewijde Ongering and Members look back on a successful trip. The colleges visit the Netherlands once every two years. The visit was chaired for the first time by Lidewijde Ongering. In addition to the Chairman, the Chambers shall consist of Hans Hoogervorst, Member nominated by the Netherlands, Hellen van der Wal, Member nominated by Aruba, Glenn Thodé, Member nominated by Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Julisa Frans, Member nominated by Sint Maarten and Gregory Damoen, Member nominated by Curaçao.