How You Get Appointed: A Look into Governance and Appointments on SIDS
July 15, 2024
An article in the Het Antilliaans Dagblad on July 11, 2024, caught my attention. It vividly illustrated the reality of governance, especially regarding the appointment of CEOs and other high-paying positions. The newspaper dissected the advice the corporate governance advisor, SBTNO, gave to the minister, highlighting a lack of transparency in the procedure (Akkoord benoeming nieuwe directeur CINEX; Procedure niet transparant verlopen, 2024).
The process for appointing a new CEO at CINEX, a small yet expansive agency tasked with attracting foreign investors, was restarted after the first round was dismissed. The dismissal happened because the minister and his political party did not favor some candidates. Despite CINEX's global endeavors, the tangible outcomes of their efforts still need to be clarified. Over the years, it has been a mystery as to which investors, if any, have been successfully attracted to invest in the country through this agency.
Interestingly, despite the advisor’s critical remarks on the transparency of the process, there was no objection to the appointment of the new candidate, who remains anonymous.
This scenario exemplifies how things often work in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Close-knit relationships dominate, and personal connections are often just as crucial as professional qualifications. The prevailing mentality appears to be, "If you're not with me, you're against me." This environment makes it challenging to operate as an independent professional since affiliations are assumed.
Positions like these are highly coveted, primarily due to their lucrative salaries. Ironically, this allure attracts individuals more interested in the financial and status benefits than in contributing to a meaningful mission. As a result, significant resources should be more utilized.
The case of CINEX poignantly reminds us of the pitfalls in governance and appointments within small island communities. It underscores the need for a transparent and merit-based approach to appointments to ensure those in leadership positions are genuinely committed to the mission rather than personal gain. The case also illustrates that recruiting agencies are a farce and an instrumental part of this corruption.
The article calls for more transparency and accountability in the appointment processes to ensure that public resources are invested wisely and that the right individuals are placed in positions where they can make a real difference.
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Miguel Goede
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