Dear Editor,
With great surprise the DP learned from a front page article in The Daily Herald of September 2, 2014, that Minister Ted Richardson has announced the lifting of the Car Rental Permits moratorium. Is this because the island really needs more car rental companies (which is definitely not the case) or is this to benefit a selected few irrespective of the consequences these additional permits may have on the already existing and seriously struggling other 88+car rental companies on Dutch St. Maarten alone!
Some months ago, Minister of TEATT Ted Richardson, against the established policy on beach activities, also lifted the moratorium on Vending Permits and allegedly promptly issued a permit to operate motorized water sports vehicles from the Mullet Bay Beach; this notwithstanding the loud objections from local residents, long-time visitors to the island and the owners of the property that encloses the Mullet Bay Beach.
Are these decisions in the interest of our tourism product or in the interest of a selected few with no regard whatsoever for what is right and how the general interest of our country's economy will negatively be impacted?
Michael J. Ferrier
