Minister Brug Welcomes OZR Fund Audit as Move Toward Greater Transparency

Minister of VSA, Hon. Richinel Brug, has welcomed the decision by Minister of Finance, Hon. Marinka J. Gumbs, to commission a financial audit of the OZR Fund by the Government Audit Bureau (SOAB). The fund, managed by SZV on behalf of the government, provides healthcare coverage for civil servants, teachers, and government-affiliated employees.

Brug called the audit “a positive and necessary step” to improve transparency and boost public confidence in the management of the fund, noting that this review should have happened sooner—especially given SZV’s financial challenges.

“This audit will help clarify the fund’s financial position and support efforts to repay debts owed to SZV,” he said. The Ministry of VSA pledged continued cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and SZV to ensure the audit is completed and contributes to stronger financial governance going forward.