Dear Editor,
There’s no question that finding a lasting solution for some of the most pressing issues facing our communities today, must remain on the front burner of the agenda of the people of Sint Maarten. It’s important for the people of Sint Maarten to understand that we must hold our government officials accountable for their non-actions regarding the decisions or reluctance to act and act swiftly in the best interest of the people they represent. Some may regard their appointed or elected position as earning an income of 10,000 USD dollars as a side job.
The law prescribes that executing the job as a Member of Parliament (MP) is a full-time job. That’s the law, what happened to our moral obligation to work full time once elected into office. Ethically, there should be no question that with thousands still un- or under-employed, insufficient social housing and a growing dump which a toxic health hazard to our children is, elderly and other citizens, more effective leadership is required from our elected and appointed officials.
A new Parliament was sworn in on April 2nd, 2018. The new hurricane season is here. People are understandably nervous and still rattled not only by the last hurricane experiences. More so due to the seemingly lack of a clear direction of the priorities to be set by a new government.
It is absolutely disgusting that to date Sint Maarten has no new government in place. Recovery process, while moving is doing so at a slow pace. Too slow for many still homeless, roofless and jobless. One of the narratives allegedly sent out from the present coalition in response to the many questions concerning the delay has been that Holland takes its time, sometimes nine months or more to form a new government, therefore, there’s no haste in having a new government in place.
While this may be the case in Netherlands and in other countries in Europe or elsewhere in the world, it’s irresponsible to provide this misplaced response to the citizens of this island. For example, Holland is one of the richest countries in the world with a well-defined social security and healthcare system. A well-designed safety net is in place for those who become unemployed. Additionally, the Dutch economy is overheated, while unemployment is at its lowest in years. Lastly, but equally important, Holland did not experience a devastating hurricane a year ago. We did!
There are several pressing matters we hope to see addressed in the yet-to-be- submitted reconstruction report for financing through the World Bank. These are:
* Garbage health hazard. We must make a conscious decision once and for all to stop poisoning our children. There’s no one-stop solution to solve this health hazard. It’s clear that a many-faceted approach is required to deal resolutely with the toxic health hazard in Philipsburg.
It was brought to my attention that the city of Milan has become a poster child in Europe regarding garbage disposal. It reportedly took this city about 8 years to have a multifaceted garbage disposal solution, while at the same time getting rid of 88 per cent of all its organic waste. In a block-by-block approach this City managed to deal with one of its most difficult issues facing its citizens and visitors.
If this city of over 1.3 million citizens can do this, we can find a way to clean up this toxic health hazard in an open and transparent way here in Sint Maarten as well. The new government can reach out to the Mayor of the City of Milan and work towards a multifaceted solution.
* Additionally, Parliament must finalize this year, the law to ban plastic bags at all supermarkets and other business and introduce biodegradable bags in which organic waste can be collected.
* Financial support for businesses. We must provide incentives to the middle class and small business who are eligible to receive such funds and who are in dire need of financial support to stay in business. Where is the Sint Maarten Marshall Plan?
* Social housing. What is the status of the FOGA and other similar social housing projects? Will Sint Maarten Housing Foundation receive funding from the Recovery/ reconstruction funds to build homes at already identified locations, thereby lessening the critical need for social housing for our many citizens?
Lastly, but no less important, it is time for the interim or new government to disclose to the people of Sint Maarten the way the reconstruction funds will be dispersed, into which project and for what price tag. It is time for each community to know factually how it is being prepared for this hurricane season. It’s time for Parliament to hold government accountable and demand this disclosure sooner rather than later.
Gracita Arrindell,
Leader, People’s Progressive Alliance (PPA)
