The planned change allowing Parliament to officially seek advice from the Social Economic Council SER (see related stories) is a positive development. There have often been complaints about local legislators not making enough of their own laws.
People should understand that elected representatives don’t have access to the legal expertise and capacity that ministers do. It is therefore understandable that their role in practice is mainly one of approving, amending or rejecting proposals from government.
Nevertheless, important so-called members’ bills have been presented by parliamentarians since St. Maarten attained county status per 10-10-10. Getting a better picture of their socioeconomic impact even before official submission for ratification can save a lot of time and energy while greatly improving the effectiveness of such efforts.
Of course, once created, the possibility should not be abused with an avalanche of requests that bogs down this already busy tripartite body. However, it could prevent initiatives without properly studying their potential effect on the community, while – last but not least – a positive advice inspires public confidence.
Hopefully proposed adjustments to the SER National Ordinance can also help put to rest a battle regarding representation of business owners involving the Employers Council St. Maarten (ECS) and Soualiga Employers Association (SEA). At the end of the day they are both on the same team and their respective affiliated organisations will probably be best served with an approach that is united in purpose.
