Removing the choke hold from our Financial Systems.

Thanks for visiting. On a weekly basis I scan St. Maarten's  major daily news Sources for significant St. Maarten political news and punditry. We also review the editorial pages  for St. Maarten  political commentary. The news sources we review include: The Daily Herald, the SXM Island times, the St. Marten News Network and the Amigoe. 

The following articles were taken from the Amigoe.  SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2011.

These article, in my humble opinion shed some light, and should give us some ideas, on the things that still need to be explored  by our Government on St. Maarten. Please note that I'm not suggesting that we follow Curacao or Aruba's lead. However taking notes on what they are doing can help us move forward on improving how we address the FINANCE CHOKE HOLD we are currently dealing with. We the "People" are the ones feeling the squeeze the most.    

Financial regulator in its law For.......... 

Former Island and "Staten" director of the Department of Finance of the Netherlands Antilles Gregory Damoen suggests that in anticipation of the termination of financial supervision in Curacao and St. Maarten, a private financial regulator should be placed in the local laws. This independent regulator should have an observation and advisory role with regard to developments in public finances in relation to the financial standards that are used in the budget.

In his masters thesis "Financial Budget Monitoring Curacao" - A study of the degree of effectiveness of financial-budgetary supervision on Curaçao from 1990 to 2010 and to propose improvements,  Damoen answered the question what should happen in order for the financial supervision, which is now regulated by the "statute", prepare a way forward with the financial-budgetary supervision in the following period. To get out of financial supervision, Curacao should create the standards that are defined in the Article, which meets the requirements for a period of five years. These standards range from a simple fitting service, so that the current income and expenditures must be balanced. Therefore they may be able to borrow capital to finance expenditure where the interest standard is not exceeded  the current account balance. The interest burden standard means that the total interest costs in one year of service not exceed the amount equivalent to 5 percent of the average of three previous years income realized.

After an evaluation by an independent commission they will have five years to determine whether in Curacao these standards are met. Ahead of this period, Curaçao, Damoen said, would be wise to place its own legislation in place to the creation of a role for their own independent financial regulator. This regulator will initially focus on the government of Curacao, this should not effect the current agreement, the debate should start in parliament now. This last point is the escalation model, as stated in the Decree on the Financial Supervision Curaçao and St. Maarten. The members of their own financial supervisor should not be appointed by the Government, said Damoen proposal, so their independent character is covered. He suggested that members of the supervisory board should be appointed by the States. The elected members serving should select the nominee for a President. The nomination of the members shall be by political groups in parliament. Each nomination must be supported by at least five MPs. The appointment is made ​​when a candidate has at least two thirds of the votes in parliament. This way, the coalition forced have to agree. Collaborate with other agencies in its law should be coordinated closely that the regulator is cooperate with other supervisory bodies such as the National Audit Office,  SOAB government and the Ministry of Finance. Agreements between these agencies should be made ​​public. The law should also be incorporated directly or indirectly, neither the government nor the parliament can give instructions to the supervisor. To ensure the integrity the profiles of the members, their profiles should be approved by the supporting secretariat. This should  also apply to the other control authorities, such as the National Audit Office and the Ministry of Finance SOAB.

New tax treaty between the Netherlands and Aruba

ORANGESTAD - The Taxation of the Kingdom (BRK) for Aruba gets a sequel. The Act of 1964, updated for our country. Moreover, it is no longer a kingdom wide tax, but a treaty between the Netherlands and Aruba. The countries negotiating for some time about the new system, which include agreements on avoiding double payment of taxes. It also negotiated the division between taxing rights between countries. The new treaty is needed in the context of constitutional reforms allowing for Aruba, Curacao and St. Maarten should be a new bad credit. In addition, the Act not renewed since 1964, when there are new taxes are added. Aruba is the first country with which a new arrangement is negotiated. Upcoming Monday, the Dutch Minister of Finance, Frans Weekers, in Aruba. He will include discussions on the progress of the negotiations of the new tax. Last week, because even at official level negotiations between the Netherlands and Aruba. So are concepts, but there is no final proposal. Aruba represents a large number of tax reforms, because many laws severely outdated and no longer in line with international developments. There are also laws that are too cumbersome and additional burden to society. As the license plate tax and stamp tax. After the political changes, while the Dutch tax law a lot closer and the government wants to see what the differences and similarities in order to better legislation. A committee comprising representatives of government and social partners concerned with the fiscal reforms, according to previous agreements in the Social Dialogue. They must come forward with proposals shortly. Here again we are looking at the things that are being done by our Sister Islands within the Kingdom, which is geared towards creating an improved system.  This should be monitored so that we can move towards removing the Choke hold on our Financial Systems.

The spotlight is shining brightly on the first Government of Country St. Maarten

Thanks for visiting. On a weekly basis I scan St. Maarten's  major daily news Sources for significant St. Maarten political news and punditry. We also review the editorial pages  for St. Maarten  political commentary. The news sources we review include: The Daily Herald, the SXM Island times, the St. Marten News Network and the Amigoe. 

The Spotlight is on good Governance!

No matter what people think, the above seating is the reality of the current structure of the Elected body. The council of Ministers have the Executive responsibility to Govern the Island Nations of St. Maarten, Aruba and Curacao. The Parliament has the responsibility of legislating. Which means Parliament can create NEW Laws and amend existing Laws. It requires the votes of the Majority in Parliament to pass a Law. NO matter which Majority, individuals often will vote base on their Political affiliation but that is not always necessarily the case. Based on the last election a coalition of 2 or more parties are needed to support the members making up the Council of Ministers. Parliament does not answer to the Ministers however the Ministers require the support and the confidence of the majority of the Parliament to function in their Executive capacity.  The follow is an article I found in the "Amigoe" news. I thought it was worth sharing.

Doctoral student argues for Dutch intervention

Wednesday, 22 June 2011 12:50

UTRECHT — “The Netherlands has always been reluctant to intervene in the local government of the Caribbean overseas territories from fear of being passed the colonial buck. The time is ripe this buck is overtrumped with the argument that one is not only to respect the popular sovereignty but that one also has the final responsibility in guaranteeing good governance in the West.”

By our correspondent

Otti Thomas

Above quotation is not a statement from a Dutch political party but the closing sentence in the thesis ‘Good governance in the West – institutional and social relations for good governance in the Caribbean overseas territories’. With this thesis, doctoral student Oberon Nauta was admitted to the degree of doctor in the faculty of Administration at the University of Utrecht last Friday.

How can we ascertain there is no question of good governance?

“I am focusing on the lawfulness of action by the government. For instance, we observed an enormous growth of government personnel, while the number of formation places is simply determined and established legally. However, I also mention the state of affairs regarding the Isla. Time after time, the judge rules that one is to observe the law but it doesn’t happen. Another example is the fact that convicted politicians are simply re-elected. That is impossible in The Netherlands.

Sudden democracy

Nauta mentions various causes for the lack of good governance, for example, how democracy was introduced. This was a gradual process in Europe, but Curaçao was confronted with democracy in 1954 from one day to the next. For centuries, Europe was governed by political elite of nobles and business people laying the basis for the political rules of conduct and a consultative culture. The nation was already familiar with this when the general electoral suffrage was introduced and the new generation of politicians knew the rules too. On Curaçao, the democracy was considered an attainment but a social obligation, Nauta writes.

“Although governments accepted the principle of popular supremacy, they did not accept the political liberalism which the democratic champions considered an inextricable part of ‘true democracy’.” Other factors also play a role. Nauta mentions the small size of the territories, making it difficult to find qualitative good governors although the government’s tasks are comparable to those of the government in the relatively larger Netherlands. “Persons are given official positions, which they would not get in The Netherlands in view of their education and experience.” The small size also causes an overlap between the social and the political role. “The responsible governor is not only to give account to the relevant political actors but is also to please friends or family.”

Dependent due to poverty

The poverty factor makes the population very dependent on the politicians. “Politicians abuse this dependency by using government services as means of exchange for electoral support.” The voters subsequently give that support. “They cannot prepare a meal from high democratic ideals and impersonal relations with politicians, whereas they would actually gain personally from particularistic relations with the politicians.”

Is your idea of The Netherlands not too rosy?

“The Dutch situation is not in the least ideal. There is a constant question of a jostle for attractive administrative functions in The Netherlands too. The Dutch practice would contravene the law in England. The foundation for the British selection policy lies in the enlightenment idea. In the nineteenth century, they concluded there was no guarantee that the best-qualified people fulfilled the responsible positions. In 1855, a political decision was therefore taken to separate the admission to positions within the government from politics. The opposite happened in The Netherlands and gradually the top of the official apparatus and the administrators of independent administrative organs were politicized. The big difference between The Netherlands and Curaçao is that in the latter it is done more publicly and not only limited to executive positions.”

Barbados

Nauta mentions the British system as example of a different approach. In the former English colony Barbados, independent since 1966, they have made a strict separation as per English example, between the politics and organizations that provide goods as project orders, subsidies, jobs and allowances. With this, they prevent politicians from trying to get voters by the provision of such. On Anguilla, part of the United Kingdom, the English government appoints the Minister of Legislation, who is the only authorized person to write laws even though all government members may suggest enactments. England is not reluctant either when it regards Orders of Council.

“Where the British with their performance implicitly deem the popular sovereignty subordinate to the guaranteeing of the political liberalism, The Netherlands does exactly the opposite by making good governance subordinate to the national right of self-determination.” On the islands belonging with the British Commonwealth, a law can only be adopted after a Senate with political independent members give their approval. With this, one avoids that laws are usually adopted because the parliamentarians of the government parties always vote in favor of the government, as is sometimes the case on Curaçao.

Nauta remarks that in the former Antilles there was a question of independent control, amongst others by the Council financial supervisory (Cft), the Advisory Councils and the Auditor’s Offices, but that the Cft could not express themselves on the efficiency and lawfulness of expenditures and what’s more that the government and the States could disregard advice from these organizations. The Corporate Governance advisor could prevent political appointments but only with government companies. For that matter, Aruba does not have an advisor in that field.

Is it not simply a question of needing more time?

Just like Barbados, Curaçao could separate the politics and the organizations for public means. “The politics of Curaçao would not do this on one’s own. There is a question of a vicious circle, in which the voters and the politics imprison themselves. Politicians propagating an impersonal integrity-oriented message will never secure a majority in the States. The needs of the voters are immense. Politicians need to consider this and because they have many possibilities within the current government to determine the destinations of jobs and subsidies, this almost automatically leads to poor governance. For that matter, voters or politicians can be blamed for this stalemate. With the current wisdom, one should admit: democracy and autonomy were simply promulgated in the wrong form at the time. However, if you wish to realize a healthy social-economical development in the long term for everyone and could surmount the shadow of the colonial past, then it is important to give up autonomy now. Nothing namely impedes this emancipation more than poor governance. There are two possibilities for this. Either you ensure politicians are no longer authorized to appoint persons, to grant contracts, etc. as often happens in many Commonwealth countries, or you allow The Netherlands to actively interfere when there’s a question of poor governance according to international recognized rules of law.”

People on Curaçao will not be pleased with your conclusions

“I think people could be wrong about this. From the research by Gilbert Cijntje, it recently appeared that a majority of the people find that Curaçao is not ready to rule the country yet. Much depends on how one interprets feelings. One could also ask the people ‘Do you wish for right of self-determination or for a better life in which the living situation and the scopes to develop your abilities and those of your children are guaranteed’? Apart from the University – the thesis stood the test of academic proof – I have not received any reactions yet but I’m hoping there will be. I believe it’s important that this discussion is held and I would gladly participate.” 

          

I believe you can substitute St. Maarten where ever Curacao is mentioned because it would read the same. 

Special offers, are nice. They make you feel special!

This is Marketing 101 in the 21st Century, showing your appreciation to the clients who have given you their business in the past. By recording my contact information Cruise lines, Airlines, Resorts, Destinations all are now taking the time to personalize their service so that I will pick them AGAIN and AGAIN. I even got a Phone call last night from NCL, the agent asked if I had any questions about their Special Offers.  By the way I have not take a cruise in 10 years, here is where my name in their Database allows them to target me, with a special offer. Now that is working overtime to make sure that the next time I take a cruise I would pick NCL. My email inbox averages 20 a day from all the above groups except St. Maarten or any Airlines featuring St. Maarten with Resort special deals.

Here is where St. Maarten needs to make improvements ASAP. My questions are as follows:

• What are we doing to maintaining our 2 million plus visitors Market share, to keep our edge? 
• How are we marketing our products?
• Are we stepping into the 21st Century? Or are we still in the 20th Century?
• Are we using new Marketing techniques? Or are we still relying on the word of mouth that built our tourist industry over the years?  
• Is this new TSIS project going to do what we need to keep the numbers coming? 

We hope that someone is working on improving our Marketing programs, because our competition in the Region is working overtime to cut into our Market share. We may have this false sense of security, because the past two season have looked better than expected. But remember this, most travelers to Caribbean plan their vacations a year or two in advance. We are fortunate that we added 4 Mega Cruise ships, these ports of calls brought our cruise numbers to a record high, but our Hotels didn't do so well.    Even though our PJIA Airport had 800 Thousand arrivals we lost 30% or more to our neighbors in transfers, i.e. they went to others Islands in the region. That, in case you want to know is 240 Thousand, and we can assume that most if not all of the Air France arrival passengers went to the French side. Leaving us with 500 Thousand give or take. But how much of that number are our own residents traveling back and forth.

When I read the news I see a glimmer of hope on the horizon.  There is talk of a New Tourism Authority but no news on the plans on how they are planning to kick start the 2012 Marketing season. I guess this is a Get Smart (old TV comedy) method of "top secret" plans where agent 99 is always asking "Max what is the plan". He always came through in the end.  Well "Get Smart" gave us some good laughs back in the day with his Shoe phone and other gadgets to fight CIAOS (a spy-organization trying to destroy from within the Country.) I hope that our businesses and our Hospitality work force will be laughing all the way to the bank next season. Because  I've been seeing doors closing, permanently, all over Philipsburg which is not a sign of prosperity, but instead of CIAOS working overtime. New Malls in Cole-Bay with for rent signs in the windows..... So if our New Tourism Authority is going to bring in New business, and create methods to contacting our previous visitors to entice them to come back, I hope they start very soon.

If we've learned anything from the past seasons, then we can count on two things.
Number can be deceiving and Appearances of busy streets don't mean that money transactions are taking place. Since we are so good at counting how many Passengers landed at the Harbor maybe we should count how many returned to Cruise ships empty handed, and what percentage walked instead of using our chartered Buses and Taxi services. Simply put are we fooling ourselves?

The truth is that Numbers never lie (when you apply proper controls), ask your grocery store owners that use modern cash-register systems. What comes out of inventory should balance with what cash goes into the registers. They will be out of Business if they use the system that we are using currently in our Bread and butter Industry. You know the method "Whatever comes, comes, whatever goes, goes" This may have been OK in the 20th century, but in today's markets we need strategies to hold on to whatever  market share we have. Let me make it clear we need to Separate "FACT from Fiction." The days of ASSUMING that someone else on the Island is making money are over, if we the people are not benefiting from the numbers that are visiting the Island then we need to ask who is. So if no businesses are doing well then we need to ask who is fooling Who?

Once again I hope that we have plans in the works  to do things better, because if we don't we will continue to miss the boat.

"Everybody counts, everybody deserves a chance, everybody has a responsible role to play, and we all do better when we work together." ~ Bill Clinton.

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We all can make a difference!

When we read or listen to the News,  we often feel as if there is nothing we can do about what is going wrong in Government, in society and sometimes even in our personal lives. This is not true. We can agree or disagree with each other and still make a difference. I found this quote which I placed as the title to this blog by President Bill Clinton. And it inspired me to continue writing this blog. This is what I'm talking about. We all need to Find something we believe in and contribute our thoughts our talents our convictions to improve our situations. No ONE has all the answers. But if all of us ask a question and this question  sparks a thought that can bring a solution them we all benefit from everyone's contribution. The light-bulb is used by everyone these days, it was created based on a need. People used lanterns for light until the light bulb was create and of course they need electricity as the source ..... The bulb will not work without a Power source... The lantern will not work without some sort of flammable source either. This is who we are today, the Power source, YOU and ME, in the case of the Lantern we are fuel and therefore used and sacrificed........ 

The idea that ignorance is bliss borrows from the idea that happy people might just be uninterested in looking into the ugly truth of things that occasionally lies under the surface.  Not wanting to know what’s going on makes it easier to accept things at face value, and, therefore may leave you happier.  So ask yourself how happy are you right now with what is going on around you.......

Being the kind of person who looks first at the ugly before dragging my feet in accepting the pretty packaging of so many life situations, I 'm always intrigued.
Am I a miserable person?    NO,  I’m interested in the truth!  

In fact, creative New ideas do not come to you when all is well...... Ideas come when you have a challenge before you. BUT our minds need to be clear, happiness is the single greatest competitive advantage in the modern economy. Only 25% of your job successes are predicted based upon intelligence and technical skills, though we spend most of our education and most companies hire based upon this category. The “silent 75%” of long-term job success is based upon your ability to positively adapt to the World: optimism, social support creation, and viewing stress as a challenge instead of as a threat. So do worry, find solutions then be Happy about being able to make a difference and bring about change.

Lets look at my "lucky 7"  News points of the week:
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1. Central Bank, has challenges we need to find a better way for us to move forward.
2. Scrutiny of appointment. Or the No voting required method of hand picking and appointing.
3. Lack of funds to run an Education institution properly is a reason to STOP and go back to black board and ask the right questions, and solicit the right Answers.  
4. Look at Parliament, of a more experienced Sister Island and how they are handling their budget issues they are taking their time before Voting on it. See Why they voted the way they did. Maybe our Parliament is learning that they need to take more time and ask questions
5. Infrastructural changes will they improve the situation, I hope so. If not we will be knee deep in......
6. Cleanup, 16 years after a Hurricane, is finally taking place. This reminds us that its that time again. 
7. Not many are paying attention to the Elderly Abuse so we need to remind folks every chance we get.

The above are just a few of the things in the News this past week. Pick your areas where you can make a difference and do your part. We all feel the need that things need to be done better. How many of us will step forward, and not just question but also make suggestions on how to fix what's not going well or what is blatantly wrong.

Since I'm a water sign I often use water quotes to inspire myself: 

The people are like water and the RULER a boat. Water can support a boat or overturn it.

~ William  Shakespeare

Water helped ancient man learn those first lessons about the rights of others and responsibility to a larger society.... It became part of the moral and mental legacy parents passed on to their children. ~ Unknown

When the well is dry, they know the worth of ---- you guessed it ------ Water (that's us, the people) tilt the boat once in awhile and let the RULERS know who really works for whom.

We don't want to be like this guy in the middle.

  

Life is never boring when we keep track of what two News papers are saying.

The questions keep coming, and the answers read like tabloid News. Can we hang our future on what they are telling us? The following may make us all a bit nervous as to what to believe from one day to the next:

• What is the status of the Higher supervision threat?

Donner: integrity of government also at issue

The Amigoe: Not only is the integrity of the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten at issue, but also that of the Curaçao government. Minister Piet Hein Donner of Kingdom Relations mentions this in his letter, which he forwarded to the Lower Chamber last Wednesday after the Government Council of Ministers’ meeting. According to Donner, the investigation is not only meant to restore the confidence in the Central Bank but also in the government.

Curaçao was near higher supervision

The daily Herald: By agreeing to have an independent committee conduct an investigation, Prime Minister Gerrit Schotte (MFK) apparently was able to avoid such. The Kingdom Government has a guarantee function when it comes to basic rights in all the territories.

• So why are they talking about this in as if we avoided an investigation? 

Schotte: We are not routing anyone

The Amigoe: Schotte stated that Tromp was no more than a ‘simple civil servant’. “He is a subordinate of the government, who is to answer for the consequences of his actions.” The Premier called on Tromp to take the honorable way out. Schotte concluded that if he were accused of such things personally, several local media would have demolished him already.

Sarah: Statements on St. Maarten holding back currency ‘not correct’

The daily Herald: "Not correct" is how Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams responded to press statements emanating from Curaçao, especially from that country's Finance Minister George Jamaloodin, that St. Maarten is to be blamed for the possible postponement of the implementation of the Caribbean guilder in 2012.

PNP concerns about monetary policy

The Amigoe: The PNP is concerned about how the government responsibly with monetary policy. The reason for the concern of PNP president Gisette Seferina his explanations of Central Bank director Emsley Tromp who argues that the government operation of the Central Bank impossible.

• Will there be an investigation and who will conduct it?

Government Council of Ministers to start independent investigation

The Amigoe: Today the Government Council of Minister decided to have an independent committee investigate the controversy on the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten. The Netherlands and Curaçao will be represented in this committee. Premier Gerrit Schotte of Curaçao was present during the meeting of the Government Council of Ministers prior to his departure for Spain.

Cooper: Kingdom Council decision can’t be executed

The Daily Herald: Acting Curaçao Prime Minister Charles Cooper (MAN) has stated that the decision by the Kingdom Government to let an independent committee have an investigation conducted at the joint Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten cannot be executed.

Base on all of the above I have a serious concern. I don't know who is reporting the correct NEWS.

• So what is the real status of our Central Bank?

‘Central Bank in receivership’

The Amigoe:   

The Minister of Finance (St. Maarten), Hiro Shigemoto, has informed the director of the Central Bank, Emsley Tromp in writing on Tuesday that the Minister of Finance of St. Maarten be involved with all investments of the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten. According to PS-leader Helmin Wiels, a similar letter from the government will be sent to Tromp today.

• 
  

  
  

  So is it business as usual? 

Four of six Central Bank board members sworn in

The daily Herald: 

Four of the six members of the Supervisory Board of Directors for the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten took the oath of office before Governor Eugene Holiday on Friday.

Three of the four directors - businessman Robbie Ferron, tax consultant Marciela Illidge, and attorney Jairo Bloem – were named by St. Maarten while the fourth - attorney Nelson Navarro was named by Curaçao.

Finance Minister Hiro Shigemoto was present for the swearing-in ceremony held in the Governor's Office at Harbour View.

Minister Shigemoto receives response from Curacao’s Finance Minister Regarding CBCS 

Chairmanship.

Are you confused, I am!

In my humble opinion all of these Central Bank issues will lead to HIGHER SUPERVISION.

No way will the Dutch Government, who already have the Justice and Finance Ministries on lock down, allow these to Islands to play their games with Money.  

Are the Governments of Curacao and St. Maarten playing Chess or Poker

These are a few things that don't keep me up at night:
Frankly maybe they should. We seem to be spinning like windmills whenever the wind blows, no matter the direction. Here are a few things that make me pose this question:
Are we playing Chess or Poker?

• Curacao Finance Minister after the Central Bank dispute with the Cabinet of Minister is now saying let us not RUSH to create a Caribbean guilder currency because it will cost 20 million guilders to create. Request for Delay Caribbean Guilder Hell I could have told him that last year. It cost the USA 2cents to make a penny.  It took Curacao this long to figure out that it will cost money to create a currency that is only valuable on two Islands?  The Dutch Government moved to the US dollar for the BES Islands, this should give us an idea of how they (the Dutch who are sitting on our, Ministry of Finance departments, head know how to control cost.) So here is my suggestion  for these guys... another KISS approach.......Why not collect all of the current Netherlands Antillean Guilders from the BES Islands (pay them in Dollars, which is their new currency trust me it will be cheaper than printing new bills) and use those bills and coins along with what is in circulation on Curacao and St. Maarten..... Since we need more and  more Guilders for Cur and SXM (we use the Dollar here 80% of the time.) This will help with the shortage since they claim that the shortage is becoming a problem. 
• St. Maarten Finance Minister is now placing the target date for the Central Bank of St. Maarten to be put in Place by january-1-2012. Let me get this right. Are we rushing to another decision like we did with 10-10-10 unprepared, or were these plans being worked on for months and kept hush, hush. Why do we always do stuff with out a plan for success. A wise Business quote: "If you fail to plan you plan to fail". Making these decisions (running to the press with it ASAP) without a plan of action cause me to question the sanity of these developments. minister-shigemoto-wants-fully-operational-central-bank-by-january-1-2012. This reminds my of the commercial "It's my money and I want it now".
• I love this headline: Tromp told: no Central bank investment without Hiro's input  this really worries me because I thought that this was the case all along. If a couple (married or not) have a Checking account,  one of them should not decide without telling her partner that she is loaning money to her friend. It's his money too that is in the account he might have a problem putting gas is his car to go to work. This actually happened to me, so I digress....... But let's be real HERE we are talking about two Countries, OUR money should be safe in the Central Bank's Control. So if the Central Bank President believes he has Cart Blanch to do with the funds as he Please and the Minister of Finance is now telling him..... you can't do that without my permission, then, Hiro you are very late. Unless Mr. Tromp will be heading the New St. Maarten Central Bank and you are his Boss now.
• The SXM 2011 Budget is up for debate (again) in Parliament on 6-6-2011 after much to do about balancing it. The first proposed budget had NAFL 440 million this was rubber-stamped  APPROVED by Parliament (9 votes FOR and 6 BLANK) . But wait, there was a negative advise from the CFT (Kingdom Law, remember Finance and Justice are under higher supervision) so the Governor didn't sign it. Now the proposed budget is NAFL 420 million and the CFT has given it's Blessings (I guess they figure what the heck, half of the year is over already.) But one MP of the National Alliance is complaining that his questions have not been answered in writing (to him personally????)...... I'm confused here: Since when do the MP and the Minister have a personal correspondence post-office game going on. I alway thought you do your do diligence and send in questions and the Minister responds to PARLIAMENT. I wish someone would advise these MP(s) on how things should be done according to rules established by Parliament. George Pantophlet asks for the answers to questions posed to Finance Minister. What is he going to do if all of his questions aren't answered? Oooh get it: he will submit a BLANK vote (again,) like he did last time with the rest his faction.            I just have to add this. Sending in a Blank vote is the same as Being absent when the votes is take. Some of the Votes in the past few months required someone's name (Blank is not a person) the Budget needed  an Up or Down Vote (no pun intended.)      Blank means, in my mind, YOU DON'T CARE. Let me put it in terms you can understand. When I go to Vote for you or one of the other Parties  (the voter you asked to vote for you) submit a BLANK vote. They are  saying I don't like anyone of you. So if all of your supporters do that next time, you will be at home asking yourself if voting BLANK was such a wise example to show the public that you are fighting for them.  
• Is the NEW National Alliance Draft Amendment a grandstand approach to being relevant? By yelling "WE DID IT FIRST."   They expect to get Brownie Points? Do they know how many votes it takes to get anything DONE in todays Parliament. Unless they know that the UP/DP  will vote BLANK this time. OR will UP/DP put THEIR stamp (amendment to their draft Amendment) on it, and own it. After listing to Frans Richardson I now understand why William Marlin was missing on the day it was presented. 

It's a new day and a not so good day or nights for a former Minister. (just read the comment below the article) 

Truth be told I'm not surprised this happened with all of the hula over Land Sales, and Ministers getting gun permits in the News. This makes every Minister and Parliament Members Vulnerable. Thieves broke into,  The former Chief of Police Derrick Holiday's House,  (even though I think that was something other than a break-in) that my friends  took guts...... big time.....   

So NEWS flash: The crooks will not respect anyone's home on this Island..... Get Alarms, Guard dogs, security Cameras and Flashing sirens connected to motion sensors and ...... You get the picture.

Here is what I'm really talking about.  When The Minister of Justice runs to the micro-phone and speaks, without a well thought out script (remember he does not need to write things down, it is Law just by him saying it.) And The continued News of Members of Government receiving large salaries is  the talk of the day, along with Land sale deals of $3 million and gun permits for all Members of both Ministers and Parliament then the Crooks don't need to read the details..... HEADLINES are all the News they need. This my friends is making Hi-ranking Government officials........ Targets. 

Lawful Gun Owners should Have a Right to Privacy, and we need to protect those rights.

Take precautions folks   LAW and ORDER on SXM   has an  "OUT OF ORDER" sign.

My final note: 

ASK NOT: WHAT THE GOVERNMENT OF ST. MAARTEN CAN DO FOR YOU PERSONALLY. 

ASK: WHAT PRESSURE CAN I PUT ON THEM TO DO THE RIGHT THINGS TO GET US THROUGH THIS TRANSITION FROM THE NETHERLANDS ANTILLES TO AN AUTONOMOUS NATION.