Philipsburg:--- Leader of the Peoples Progressive Alliance("PPA") Gracita Arrindell stated that "the stewardship of this island is in dire need of strong and decisive leadership, given the long list of issues that we face today. These include the constitutional impasse and the recent statements and positions taken by the majority of the members of all factions in the Dutch Parliament that St Maarten is far from ready to assume its new status in January 2010. This topic alone warrants a separate meeting of the Island Council of St Maarten to address the people's constitutional future. A press conference by the Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs simply is not enough and is at best self-serving."
"The PPA has been calling on the DP to publicly address a number of pressing issues including the state preparedness of the people for the world credit/ financial crisis and its negative impact on St Maarten, the government's lack of resources to properly and timely market the island in alternative tourism destinations, the present internal crisis within the DP as well as our inadequate infrastructure to handle a major natural or man made disaster. The banking system on St Maarten is broader than 1 or 2 local banks and includes banks that also feel some of the impact from the world crisis."
"The aftermath of Hurricane ‘Omar' taught us a lesson again. We can ill-afford to be complacent or just hold our breaths and hope for the best. Preparedness is and always should be the mantra of our leaders regardless of political affiliation. It was refreshing to hear, at least, one Commissioner being candid and truthful about the state of our infrastructure at a time when many prefer to sweep our dangerous problems under the rug while pretending that all is rosy. An Island Council meeting is warranted to address, in a comprehensive manner, these serious weaknesses exposed by ‘Omar.' Arrindell said.
This proposed Island Council meeting must include on the agenda another budget 2008 amendment in order to officially attach a price tag to the recovery efforts and the reduction in revenue to government for 2008 due to the hurricane. A meeting is warranted in order to know the full extent of the extra costs of contractual commitments government has with third parties such as Balast Nedam and others that Commissioner Heyliger rightfully referred to at his press briefing last week. While a request for Dutch Government emergency assistance is warranted and has been done before following a hurricane, it is also time for this island government to grow up and have its own emergency funds for times like these. This will increase the ‘Goodwill' factor of any potential donor, within or outside the Dutch Kingdom, to assist our people and government to get back on track as early as possible"
‘While we commend all persons in and outside of government who have done their share in whatever form or fashion to get our island back on its feet, we must be concerned and take decisive steps on a few issues. For example;
1. We continue to be deeply concerned by the lack of meaningful action by government to have a permanent solution to the Mullet Bay property now thirteen (13) years in waiting. It is time for decisive action in this regard and use the existing laws to clean up the rest of the derelict buildings once and for all.
2. We are concerned about the apparent lack of immediate cooperation between the French and Dutch sides of St Maarten in assisting each other to get the electricity services up and running as pledged yearly during meetings and the November 11th celebrations. When does a request for assistance kick in? The public deserves to know.
3. We are concerned by the complacency by most of us who do not take action each season to clear our roofs, yards of debris and trim our trees in case a hurricane hits. This action should be automatic like taking a ones yearly health check up.
4. We are concerned that the local Red Cross does not have sufficient funds to provide assistance and support to the needy among us.
In conclusion in her press release the PPPA leader said while we count our blessings of having survived this last hurricane, we must regain control over our assets and aspirations by being prepared. Government must tell the people the truth on the state of our affairs no matter how painful. Again, an Island Council meeting is needed to bring closure and move on with a clear sense of direction, which includes a major review of where we stand today by all stakeholders".
