SXMElections.com

~ Budget, 7 ministers in first 60 days of 2015 ~

PHILIPSBURG--Financial management and the economy were among the areas highlighted by United People’s (UP) party in its New Year’s resolution for St. Maarten.

UP said in a press release that financial management “is a priority” as the country needs to have an approved budget as soon as possible within the first 60 days of the New Year or less. “Besides an approved budget for 2015, the strengthening and expansion of the income base of government is needed in order to execute the necessary programmes and policies of the Government of St. Maarten in order for our people to have a better life,” UP Leader Theo Heyliger said in the release.

As it relates to the economy, the UP leader said, a healthy and growing economy will mean job creation, job opportunities and more revenue for government’s coffers. “I, along with my coalition partners, will be working diligently with the Government for a more productive, competitive and robust economy. Sustainable development is the future for our country.”

In the areas of health, education and social development, UP said these areas are also interlinked into the country’s fiscal growth, as well as economic development. “Therefore, if we are to continue to be prosperous; and in order to further spread the wealth of the nation across our communities, the aforementioned areas also need to be addressed. Every individual has a responsibility to take care of their health by eating healthy and living a healthy life. A healthy nation will also mean a productive nation, which in turn generates more revenues for the government, who in turn can further invest in health, education and social development.

“There is no better investment we can make in the future of our children of St. Maarten families and in our communities, by investing in the aforementioned areas. An educated nation will in itself be innovative, productive and resourceful, therefore creating opportunities for business and jobs. Education is an individual responsibility as well, where parents must guide their children and young teens about the importance of getting an education and allowing their minds to grow and become successful young men and women in our community.”

UP said integrity, transparency and open government are also priority areas. Three integrity reports “have outlined the weaknesses and challenges that exist within our system of government and governing.

“The recommendations made will be enacted upon in order to further enhance and improve public governance in our democracy. Political stability is also a key ingredient for sustainable development and investor confidence. The first four-year term of country St Maarten saw three different governments. Today, January 1st, 2015, St Maarten has a government that has been formed and has a cabinet in place, that is here to assure that we will get the job done with respect to what we have set out to accomplish together as a nation.”

Heyliger said areas that need to be dealt with by the Gumbs-led cabinet have been established and he is confident in the ministers appointed so far. “I would like to see a complete seven-member cabinet in place within 60 days or less as of the beginning of the New Year. There is much to be done and we need all hands on deck to move this nation forward for all the people.”