Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten's tourism marketing in the Netherlands, the United States and Canada seems to be at a standstill with no representation in Europe and the expiration of the contracts for the North American market, according to Democratic Party ((DP)) Parliament fraction advisor Emil Lee.
Lee joined party leader Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Wescot-Williams at Parliament House on Monday for a party press conference at which they discussed various issues the party is pursuing and is pushing for Parliament and the Gumbs Cabinet's attention.
Wescot-Williams said Tourism and Economic Affairs Minister Claret Connor is still to explain how and why he will be reorganising, re-evaluating and revisiting the already established St. Maarten Tourism Authority (STA). This long awaited authority has the management of the country's tourism marketing as one of its focuses.
A well-functioning STA is "crucial for marketing," she said.
On the upheavals in the timeshare sector between buyers and sellers, the (DP) representatives will meet at the end of this month with two organisations separately representing the timeshare companies and timeshare owners. The reps plan to inform the organisations about the pending timeshare laws to better regulate the sector and safeguard buyers.
Counterpart Policy
On the Counterpart Policy, Wescot-Williams said the Gumbs Cabinet has a lot to still answer on including updating Parliament on the so-called continuing consultations with stakeholders. "Who are you talking to and who else have you consulted?"
It should not be the third quarter of the year when the policy is slated to be implemented, the cabinet says all is not completed, she said. "We [(DP)] will keep our finger on the pulse [of this issue]."
Lee chimed in asking for the cabinet to give a status of the Tripartite Committee on Labour on the policy and whether the advice of the Social Economic Council SER has been taken in to consideration. He also questioned if the cabinet will amend its position on the policy if the SER advice and consultations are negative.
(DP), said Lee, believes in promoting employment for the country's people, but the policy as it is "is the wrong way."
Calling out former (DP) member, now independent MP Cornelius de Weever, Wescot-Williams said, "It is quite obvious that the Counterpart Policy was not the reason" for De Weever "turning his back" on the now defunct Red, White and Blue coalition in September 2014. The exact reason for the break, she said continues to be unknown.
Harbour
Wescot-Williams has called on government to give a clear indication about planned or envisioned development for Simpson Bay, in light of the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies' 2013 financial report stating the group has intentions for development in that area.
The exact plans must be mapped out to avoid any future claim clashes between the Harbour Group and other developers as has occurred with Dock Maarten marina. The Harbour Group has challenged the expansion of that marina in court claiming it has the right to review plans based on its government granted concession for Great Bay.
Lee called for "a clear financial picture" of the Harbour Group various subsidiaries. He called the company "a strategic asset of the country" whose scope of responsibilities need to be better defined to prevent issues like the one with Dock Maarten. He likened the situation between the marina and the Harbour Group to the epic fight of David and Goliath, saying the Harbour Group has deep pockets.
Attitude
Government owned companies and their supervisory boards need to know their place and respect Parliament, said Wescot-Williams, referring to a recent Parliament meeting with utilities company GEBE. These companies need to "respect" Parliament and "answer questions posed directly."
GEBE and other companies "can't sit before Parliament like it is a burden."
One of her specific grouses was about the company signing a memorandum of understanding with a company for a renewable energy project. GEBE declined to give the name of the company or to divulge details after questions from National Alliance (NA) MP William Marlin.
GEBE claimed it could not give information to Parliament, because of confidentiality. However, she pointed that the company later relented by saying it will provide details to Parliament in a letter.
Any letter to Parliament is public as are all documents, Wescot-Williams said, questioning how the company intended to work around their confidentiality agreement when it writes to Parliament on the topic.
Taxes
Revamping the tax system of the country has been "talked about for years, for decades" and it is time for "a start to be made" by government, said Wescot-Williams who served as prime minister from October 2010 to December 2014. She pointed out the change is "not easy" based on her knowledge from being inside the executive branch of government.
Finance Minister Martin Hassink has been called on to "get started" on his proposed integrated tax system and the reorganisation of the tax structure in tandem, instead of starting one and then the other.
Wescot-Williams called for people with back taxes, especially seniors, should get some "leeway." Hassink and the Tax Department should "work with them."
Lee, who was a (DP) candidate in the August 29, 2014 Parliamentary Elections, said, "I met more people than I normally do and found that small and micro businesses need help." That help and guidance is needed to structure the businesses so they can better generate income and know their tax obligations.
