SXMElections.com

PHILIPSBURG--Government must show explicit willingness to demand concession fees from all government-owned companies capable of paying the fee and not allow some companies to get away scot-free while others pay year after year, says United People's (UP) party leader Member of Parliament Theo Heyliger.

The concession fees must be collected by government and used the balance the budget, instead of excessive budget-cutting that "can affect the rendering of needed services to the people." The concession fees can aid in the balancing the budget without the need "to trouble the pockets of the people."

There is "no viable reason" why a company like SXM Princess Juliana International Airport "should not pay government a concession fee," Heyliger told The Daily Herald on Thursday.

United Telecommunication Services (UTS), of which St. Maarten is a shareholder, sends some NAf. 13 million annually to its headquarters in Curaçao. "Government needs to get a grip on this and get St. Maarten-generated money to stand on St. Maarten to benefit our people."

Government-owned companies "need to stop only looking out for their fiscal interest. The companies need to realise they have a responsibility to the well-being of the St. Maarten people, who are their ultimate owners," said Heyliger.

"It is Parliament's job to supervise government and Parliament only sees the budget when it is received from the governor. It is my HOPE the budget has concession fees from all companies able to pay and not just the regular ones," Heyliger said.

The country has dualistic system with separation of the legislative branch (Parliament) and the executive branch (the Council of Ministers). Heyliger pointed to this dualism when asked how he could call on government to show willingness to go after its companies for concession fees when his party supports the coalition that appointed the ministers.

The MP is "eager" to review Finance Minister Martin Hassink's budget. "Government is cash-strapped, we all know that, but so are the people. I will not sit back and allow government-owned companies fully capable to aid government, its shareholder's representative. Government has to ensure all of her companies pay their fair share into her coffers," Heyliger said.

If the draft budget that is on its way from Governor Eugene Holiday to Parliament does not have the collection of concession fees, the Marcel Gumbs Cabinet "better be ready to add them and get the companies to comply," Heyliger said.

He is cognizant of the looming budget deadline of January 31 as set by the Committee for Financial Supervision CFT for the establishment of the budget by Parliament.

"Yes, we have to think about that, but as Parliament, as MPs we have to consider the economic impact on our people. It is all well and good to have a balanced budget that complies with all these rules and regulations from the Dutch. What we cannot lose sight of is what is important – the people of this country and their well-being."

The meeting of the Central Committee of Parliament to review and adjust the budget should take place as early as next week. In those meetings, MPs like Heyliger will have the opportunity to question ministers and make recommendations on budget adjustments.

The draft budget will be forwarded for handling in a plenary session of Parliament when the discussions in the Central Committee are completed. It is in a plenary session that the budget will be put to a vote. Eight or more MPs need to vote for the budget for it to be adopted and established as a law.