POND ISLAND--St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF) recently presented its 2017 Audited Annual Report and Financial Statements to government via Prime Minister/ General Affairs Minister Leona Marlin-Romeo, ahead of the legal deadline of June 30.
The audit, conducted by “Stichting Overheids Accountants Bureau” (SOAB), provides a detailed overview of the fund’s internal operations as well as its funding activities.
Throughout 2017, SMDF provided funding for some 23 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) actively working in the fund’s thematic work areas of youth development, social care, senior care, poverty alleviation and gender support. The annual report allows for donors to see exactly where funds are directed by SMDF.
As a recipient of public funding, SMDF reports to government five times annually, including the presentation of its audited financial report.
“The relationships between SMDF and its donors, such as the Government of St. Maarten, have all been successful over the past five years because we prioritize accountability and sound financial management,” said Managing Director Keith Franca.
Through its grant making activities, SMDF directed NAf 1,274,379 to NGOs working in youth development, NAf 948,785 to NGOs in social care, NAf 408,997 to NGOs in senior care, NAf 123,253 to NGOs working to fight poverty and NAf 192,600 for work in gender support. Together, these allocations totaled NAf 2,948,015 in grant disbursements to organizations that care for more than 700 persons monthly.
Franca and Program and Development Manager Makhicia Brooks also provided the prime minister with an update on the ongoing home construction and repair project and SMDF’s community-driven partnership with Catholic Organization for Relief and Development Aid Cordaid.
Franca thanked the prime minister for the continued support of the government and pledged SMDF’s continued support to the country’s social development and recovery.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/78090-smdf-2017-annual-report-presented-to-prime-minister
