By: Keith de Jong

Have you ever wondered what happens when public funds meant to mitigate climate change are not spent wisely? Or how legal compliance in the use of these funds could make or break our efforts to build resilient communities? As auditors, we often find ourselves at the crossroads of these crucial questions. In a world increasingly defined by climate change impacts, the role of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) has never been more vital. We are the guardians of not just accountability but also of ensuring that every dollar and every decision counts toward a sustainable future.

In September 2017, the Caribbean Island of St. Maarten experienced a catastrophic natural disaster as Hurricane Irma made landfall. The aftermath saw the island’s infrastructure significantly damaged or destroyed. Except for the military, communication, such as the Internet and mobile networks, were available intermittently, leading to sporadic contact with external entities. Efforts were quickly made to evacuate tourists and other visitors from the island while coordinating the arrival of humanitarian aid to provide shelter, food, and support to the impacted residents.