PHILIPSBURG--A "big joke" was how the opposition Democratic Party (DP) characterised Wednesday's Central Committee meeting, which it had requested to get the National Alliance (NA)/Heyliger Government's position on (incidental) subsidies or investments.

DP leader Island Councilwoman Sarah Wescot-Williams said only two members of Government were present, and no answers were provided to questions posed on subsidies and other financial matters.

The meeting had been requested by the opposition because of the "public spat" between Government and organisations such as St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation and St. Maarten Heineken Regatta organisers.

Answering questions on the budget, Government had informed the Island Council that Foundation for Government Buildings President Kurt Ruan should be contacted for information on subsidies, Wescot-Williams said.

Government has still not given its position on supporting religious organisations, a matter that came to the fore with the construction of a Methodist Church in Belvedere, she added.

Granting of subsidies by Government is regulated by the Subsidy Ordinance of St. Maarten, and the subsidising of religious institutions is regulated by the State Regulation (Staatsregeling).

These and other matters were raised by Island Council members in the committee meetings, and an overview of all subsidies included in the draft budget 2010 was requested.

When this list was finally provided and questions were posed to the Executive Council, Culture and Health Commissioner Hyacinth Richardson was the only member present. Finance Commissioner Xavier Blackman "graced us with his presence for a few minutes." Several senior officials including sector directors and department heads were present.

"Not on one single topic was either Commissioner Blackman or Commissioner Richardson able or willing to explain the government's position. Worse yet, the civil servants were not allowed to say a word to explain anything either," the DP leader said.

Government informed the opposition that answers to its questions would be provided in writing this week, after the party's insistence. Answers are pending on plans to fund the carnival foundation this year, on the subsidy to St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation, and on transfers of budget items and stipulations that must be adhered to, among other issues.

"Government is making a mockery of the democratic system that, while not perfect, is what we have today. Yet, these same members of Government are clamouring for a change of the system to a dualistic one. With this mentality, we think not," Wescot-Williams said on behalf of her party.

"Government can act within the constraints of the law or outside of these constraints, but if they feel they have no account to give to the Island Council, whose most important tool is that of the budget and budgetary control, what role is the Island Council to play?" the former leader of government asked.