"Progress Meter" to become annual public scorecard of Government response to audits

GREAT BAY--The General Audit Chamber has introduced a new oversight tool, the Progress Meter, designed to systematically track whether government ministries and public entities act on its audit recommendations, marking a significant shift in how compliance and follow up will be monitored across the public sector. In an invited comment to The Peoples’ Tribune, the Chamber confirmed that it has begun the first round of this monitoring cycle, signaling a more transparent and structured approach to measuring progress on issues ranging from tax administration to climate resilience.

The Progress Meter comes at a time when The Peoples’ Tribune sought clarity on the status of government responses to six recent reports: the ClimateScanner assessment, the Focus Audit on tax system experiences, the Compliance Audit of the 2022 Financial Statements, the performance audit on personal data protection, the review of motor vehicle tax allocations, and the audit of APS’ 2024 financial statement. In its written reply, the Chamber explained that this new monitoring tool will directly address many of the follow up questions raised.

According Chairman of the General Audit Chamber Alphonse Gumbs, the Progress Meter will track whether government acknowledges and accepts the recommendations in each report, establish a standard process to follow up with ministries, and verify concrete steps taken, including policy changes, procedural updates, staffing decisions, and resource allocations. “We are especially looking to find out how many of our recommendations see action, and whether the recommendations that are ‘accepted’ prior to publication do actually see action down the line,” Chairman Gumbs said in the response.

Gumbs emphasized that before any report is issued, ministries already have an opportunity to respond through what is known as Administrative or Executive Consultation, a process that will now include a direct request for ministers to indicate whether they accept or reject each recommendation. At least six months after publication, the Chamber meets again with ministries to review progress, examine actions taken or planned, and evaluate supporting evidence of implementation.

These details align directly with several of the questions posed by The Peoples’ Tribune, which inquired whether formal responses or action plans had been submitted, whether concrete steps were visible, what implementation timelines had been communicated, and whether follow up reviews were scheduled. While the Chamber’s reply did not provide case by case updates for each individual report, it noted that the Progress Meter is designed precisely to make that tracking explicit, reportable, and accessible moving forward.

Gumbs also highlighted its broader efforts to keep the public informed, noting the development of interactive digital tools on its website and the launch of a WhatsApp channel now followed by more than 400 subscribers. These platforms are intended to explain how public funds are managed and how audit recommendations aim to improve governance and daily life. “The people should remain informed,” Gumbs stated, underscoring that innovation in communication is part of its mandate.

In response to further questions about whether summaries of government responses or management letters would be made public, and what barriers could affect timely implementation, Gumbs pointed to the Chamber's annual Progress Meter Report. This comprehensive publication will summarize findings, highlight implementation rates, and outline follow up issues for Parliament and the public. Gumbs stressed that the Chamber continues to engage directly with Parliament to discuss reports and support the oversight process.

Gumbs also acknowledged delays in replying due to staff availability but emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability. “We hope this provides a clear picture of our ongoing commitment to effective oversight and good governance,” Chairman Gumbs wrote.

With the Progress Meter now underway, St. Maarten will, for the first time, have a formal public accounting of how government ministries respond to the country’s most critical audit findings, offering a clearer picture of how quickly recommendations turn into real action.

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