Dear Editor,
It’s with great pleasure and gratitude that the Foresee (4C) Foundation read the recent communication through our local media that the Minister of Finance has taken a firm decision to adjust the legislation on filing taxes, understandably under certain conditions.
Believing in the 4Cs of Communication, Collaboration, Creativity and Critical thinking, we sincerely thank all persons and entities who have played a crucial role in this process “foreseeing,” recognizing and acknowledging the crucial role that non-profit NGOs and numerous volunteers make for the betterment of St. Maarten.
Special thanks goes out to Minister of Finance, Richard Gibson Senior, President of Parliament, Sarah Wescot-Williams and Head of the Parliamentary Educational Committee Rudolph Samuel, who was instrumental in accommodating Foresee Foundation to share this information and all Parliament members who showed their deep involvement.
Additionally, commendations must go out to all dedicated and community-serving NGOs, their board members and volunteers, such as the afternoon school programmes, community centres, service clubs, youth and senior citizen organizations, ambassadors of nature, culture, local arts, animal welfare, health and sport organizations, educational and socially involved partners, charity foundations, organizations who cater for the under-privileged, etc., all of whom would have been adversely affected had this legislation continue to stand.
All of them are often the unsung heroes in our community and we are grateful to have received the opportunity to share our concerns while also encouraging everybody who has a true heart for St. Maarten to move forward on making real change by showing empathy and compassion on a daily basis.
Finally, a big thank you to all our local media who have shared this information with our St. Maarten community and who have pushed these shared concerns towards a positive decision.
On behalf of the Foresee Foundation Board and all its project members and volunteers in the DigiKidz, DigiWorkz and Philipsburg jubilee library Medialab, For The Win Gaming, C-TEC and beyond.
Jose Verschueren-Sommers
Alston Lourens
John de Vroom
Melissa Gumbs
Sjurensly Valies
