ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Aruba’s Algemene Rekenkamer has published a new report titled “Buiten beeld, buiten controle,” focusing on the use and management of budget funds within the Government of Aruba.
According to the report, the investigation provides Parliament and the public with greater insight into how budget funds are used in practice and the consequences these funds may have for transparency, supervision, and parliamentary control.
The Algemene Rekenkamer emphasized that budget funds should serve as financial management instruments and not become goals in themselves. The institution warned that the current system often lacks sufficient oversight, accountability, and annual reporting.
The report explained that budget funds are normally intended to reserve public money for specific purposes over multiple years, since Aruba’s regular budget system does not allow funds to remain reserved beyond a single fiscal year.
However, investigators concluded that weak management practices, insufficient supervision, and limited reporting have reduced transparency regarding how public money is being spent. As a result, citizens and Parliament do not always have a clear view of where public funds are going or who is responsible for oversight.
The report also found repeated failures to comply with existing legal and regulatory requirements related to budgets, annual accounts, and information sharing with Parliament.
A major concern raised by the Algemene Rekenkamer is the lack of a unified management framework for these budget funds. Without clear guidelines and objectives, it becomes difficult for authorities and Parliament to properly evaluate the necessity and effectiveness of the funds.
The report further stated that efficiency is frequently used as justification for bypassing regular financial procedures, warning that efficiency should never come at the expense of transparency and accountability.
The Aruba government acknowledged in its response that improvements are needed regarding financial reporting and the timely submission of budgets and annual accounts. Authorities also confirmed plans to strengthen financial management systems and introduce formal reporting mechanisms.
The Algemene Rekenkamer stated it will continue monitoring whether the promised improvements are effectively implemented in the future.
