Unanimous approval of the 2023 amended budget (see related story) means – among other things – that long-anticipated capital expenditures totalling 90.1 million Netherlands Antillean guilders were finally formalised. While hardly a desirable situation, this not taking place until the second week of December was somewhat understandable under the present exceptional circumstances.
The 2024 budget probably won’t be passed this year any more, also considering the upcoming holidays and absence of various Members of Parliament (MPs). Already at last Thursday’s vote on the 2023 amendment only eight of 15 were present and a delegation is in Curaçao attending MP Thode’s funeral.
Finance Minister Ardwell Irion told the Central Committee the “current iteration” of next year’s draft budget was at the Advisory Council and en route to the legislature. Hopefully this will allow for its adoption early in the first quarter despite elections on January 11.
In both cases – the original 2023 budget was approved in March – one could argue “better late then never” but keep in mind that it’s not how things are normally supposed to go. Good governance implies there must be a budget in place for the year when it starts, even if adjustments may be required afterwards.
Granted, there is again a lot to consider, including the financial impact of the Ennia debacle and several reforms yet to be introduced, including a tax on direct private (mail-order) imports. Nevertheless, every effort should be made to prevent having to wait months into a year for a budget that covers it going forward.
