By agreeing to set up a committee to monitor the country's expenditures, the Central Committee of Parliament has taken a major step to increase accountability in government. While the so-called "budget right" is one of the most important tools the legislature has to exercise its main task of controlling the executive branch, in practice there was little opportunity to keep track of how the money actually was being spent.

The fact that the suggestion for such a committee came from the General Audit Chamber would seem to indicate that it is considered necessary based on experience. There is also a reason why a similar committee exists in the Netherlands.

But as efforts continue to strengthen the checks and balances when it comes to governing the country, the population still has little or no protection regarding the private sector. The stories in the paper today and yesterday about locally purchased shoes are just examples of the kind of issues with which people find themselves confronted on a daily basis.

The problem is that they have little recourse other than the often lengthy and costly process of going to court. For perceived abuses in the public sector there is the "Ombudsman" Office, but although the Chamber of Commerce has spoken on various occasions about plans for a Better Business Bureau, these have not yet materialised.

Whatever one wants to call it, there can be little doubt about the need for an entity to better defend the consumer against unethical business practices. Because of the sensitive nature of its role it is imperative that such an agency be established by law in a manner that guarantees its independence despite receiving subsidy from government.

Rome was not built in one day, of course, but country St. Maarten has a lot of regulating to do. That won't be easy, but it's crucial if the constitutional changes' ultimate goal to improve the quality of life on the island is to be achieved.