Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
"I am very proud of the work that has been carried out by our young small business owners, the local contractors. They have done a great job, and taking pride in their own districts.
"This is in line with my vision of giving our people the opportunity to run their own business. Within my short term in Government, I had the opportunity to give our local contractors three times within the year work related to trench cleaning so that they would have a steady income and be able to take care of their families.
"I would like to see a more permanent structure in place for trench cleaning for the boys in the different districts. They have proven they can do the work once given the opportunity.
"I try my best to create work for our local contractors with my limited budget that falls under my ministry. The permits section within the ministry is working to facilitate the issuing of as many building permits as they come in.
"I always preach to my ministry that the more building permits we get out the more work we create for our people and more revenues for Government. It is very slow in the construction sector at this point in time and a lot of contractors are hurting.
"Government needs to be creative and create more projects to create more jobs for our people. We also need economic stimulus for our people where more and more become their own boss in our country. We need to raise the bar, and focus on empowering our people.
"I am also looking into other employment opportunities for other young people in the various districts including Sucker Garden. Not everybody is into trench cleaning, but have other expertise in different areas that could be of benefit to the community that they live in," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Tuesday.
