Philipsburg – The SHTA is very concerned about the existing political situation and vacuum in Government. The Association conducted a survey among its 193 members of which 147 responded. The survey contained the following question:
“SHTA would like to share with our governmental leaders and the community at large how our membership feels regarding the current political dilemma, please choose one from the following options below that best describes your sentiment”
Within less than 48-hours 50% of the responses had been received. The results are as follows:
It is evident that the business sector of St. Maarten overwhelmingly supports the adjustment of our present electoral laws that allow individual members who have become Parliamentarians on the strength of the party on which list they ran, to declare themselves independent and start supporting another coalition. Five different governments in 5 years is very concerning.
It is also evident that 85% of the members surveyed feel that the present parliament is not capable of designing and implementing those changes. Country St. Maarten cannot afford this stalemate and uncertainty. We therefore call on our Governor to act, within the boundaries created by law and in accordance with the majority of opinions provided by the constitutional law experts. It is high time that he either signs the Federal Decree (Landsbesluit) presented to him by the Gumbs Cabinet or, send it for annulment to the Crown or Kingdom Counsel of Ministers, if he is of that opinion. We sincerely hope that our politicians will listen to the business community.
The SHTA is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable economic development for its members in cooperation with the social partners and the creation of a fair marketplace. For more information please contact our offices at 542-0108 or visit our website at www.shta.com
