The recently presented Crime Pattern Analysis CBA has produced some interesting stories in the last few days on fraud regarding health insurance, but also social benefits in St. Maarten. In addition, today's article about non-compliance with building regulations states that no less than 20 per cent is constructed without a permit, while the remainder seldom complies with the content of such.

In general, the findings point to a structural lack of inspection and control as the main reasons people get away with these things. Strengthening the entities in question to actually enforce the relevant laws remains crucial.

The same can be said about the CBA's conclusions regarding government corruption as highlighted in Saturday's paper. The report says there have been various cases linked to the highest ranks of the public administration, which is obviously a worrisome development.

There is mention of abusing positions for personal gain or to benefit others and nepotism is said to be rife. Combating this form of "white collar crime" has been afforded little priority, while many officials are "virtually unaccountable" or have held positions in the business community even where this led to a conflict of interest or a reasonable suspicion of such.

Considering all this, it is not hard to understand why it is so important to have so-called "checks and balances" outside of the political establishment. The Advisory Council, the General Audit Chamber, the Constitutional Court and the Ombudsman all are intended to help provide the necessary safeguards especially in a small and therefore extra-vulnerable society.

The same goes for the Corporate Governance Council, which was imposed only on St. Maarten by the Netherlands for a reason. The fact is that there have been concrete examples of political administrators making inappropriate appointments or decisions at the government-owned companies for which they were responsible.

So, the next time a politician even thinks of complaining about the latter council or any other of the entities mentioned and openly wonders why they are needed, all he or she needs to do is pick up the CBA and read it carefully. Whatever inconveniences the bodies in question may cause those governing the country, they are there for the protection of the general public.