PARAMARIBO — The Fish Inspection Institute (VKI) is in a stable organizational and financial phase. A recently conducted audit went well and confirms that the internal processes within the institute function largely well. At the same time, important steps have been taken in the past period to further strengthen the financial position of the VKI and to make the organization future-proof.
Acting director of the VKI, Arisha Sital Sewbaran, speaks of a stable situation within the institute. “The audit went well and confirms that the processes within VKI are running well. However, we continue to look critically at our internal organization. Further strengthening of the processes and control mechanisms is necessary to guarantee the quality and continuity of our work.”
“The combination of cost control, a tighter financial policy and a more effective approach to outstanding receivables has contributed to the financial growth of the institute”
Irregularities
There was still talk of one in April serious management conflict between the Supervisory Board and director Juliette Colli-Wongsoredjo. The director then submitted her resignation. According to the council, which was installed on January 26, there is a lack of transparency in financial management, the absence of annual accounts since 2021 and possible conflicts of interest.
In addition, the council reported significant amounts of money that were allegedly returned to the VKI account by the director without adequate explanation. For these reasons, Colli-Wongsoredjo was placed on mandatory leave on April 23, pending an investigation by an external audit team.
Tighter financial policy is paying off
An important contribution to improving the VKI’s financial position is tightening its financial policy. In the past period, several unnecessary expenses have been identified and stopped. This has resulted in greater control over expenditure and allows available resources to be used in a more targeted manner.
In addition, the accounts receivable policy has been tightened, so that outstanding receivables are better monitored and financial control has been further improved. The combination of cost control, a tighter financial policy and a more effective approach to outstanding receivables has contributed to the financial growth of the institute.
Supervisory Board and points of interest
The cooperation between the management and the Supervisory Board (SB) of the VKI is also constructive. “There is regular consultation between the Council and the management. This ensures that we identify developments in a timely manner and can jointly look for solutions. This collaboration is important to further strengthen the VKI,” says Emanuel Enjoem, chairman of the VKI. Although the VKI is currently in calmer and more stable waters, there are still points of attention. According to the management and the Council, these will be addressed jointly.
An important point of attention remains the legal position and legal security of the staff. After all, a stable organization also requires clarity and security for its employees. “Our employees are an important part of the organization. It is therefore very important that their legal position and legal security also receive the necessary attention,” the management emphasizes.
Development
For the coming period, the focus is not only on consolidation, but also on further development and growth of the VKI. The focus is on strengthening the internal organization, further improving processes and increasing the effectiveness of the institute.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (LVV), together with the management and the Council, expresses the confidence that the VKI can continue to build a stable, financially healthy and future-oriented organization with the strengthening of the internal processes, the tightened financial policy and the constructive cooperation.
