SXMElections.com

PHILIPSBURG: --- Minister of Labor Omar Ottley did not mix words on Wednesday when he said that he is willing to do whatever it takes to safeguard St. Maartens economy while ensuring there are more jobs for its people.
Ottley was responding to questions about some disgruntled club and restaurant owners that have been complaining about the measures put in place for them during the curfew. Ottley said that just recently government extended the curfew hours to 1 am while the measures are to be put in place, thus he does not know what the complaining is about.
Ottley said the only measure that is in place both for daytime and nightlife is zero-tolerance when three ministries came together to put in place a ministerial decree which reduced the active cases of COVID-19 from 349 cases to 157 cases in two weeks, two weeks later there are 47 active cases. The Minister said some of the decisions made by him or the government may upset some business owners however, as long as these business people could reflect and say they understood his actions then he could live with his decisions knowing that no one can satisfy everyone.
The Minister made clear that there will be measures in place to ensure a safe reopening one being advertising that St. Maarten is open for the fully vaccinated. He said that there are pending discussions with the COM on another extension as of November 1st because the economy on St. Maarten must survive.
The Minister of Labor said almost every week the Prime Minister and Minister of finance have been announcing new stipulations and requirements even though the money St. Maarten got from the Netherlands is not a grant but a loan. He made clear that he is also the Minister of labor along with health and has done everything necessary to safeguard the health of the people, however, it is time that he places focus on the labor aspect since this season will be a busy season for St. Maarten.
Ottley further made clear that St. Maarten needs to reopen and it will reopen in a manner that will avoid them shutting down ever again, therefore it takes some people being upset because of the measures in place then so be it since he is able to see the bigger picture. That bigger picture he said is having an amazing season, with five new flights and Air France promising to land on St. Maarten 10 times weekly, five new cruise vessels on board for the upcoming season.