PHILIPSBURG:--- A large cross-section of Private Sector Organizations have come together to support a Ten Point Position Paper which was presented to Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot-Williams this week jointly addressing ten topics of concern affecting Business and Social Development In St. Maarten.
A Press release issued by SHTA stated that the ten concerns mentioned in the position paper are Fiscal policy and compliance, The STA and Destination Marketing, Labor, Finding the Balance between the size of the Economy and the size of Government, Education and a Hospitality School, Improved Cooperation with French St. Martin, Renewable Energy and Stimulating Business in Philipsburg.
The SHTA has submitted the Ten Point Position Paper with an attached letter to the Council of Ministers and copied to His Excellency Governor Eugene Holiday and President of Parliament Dr. Rodolphe Samuel.
In its letter the SHTA stated, "This Position Paper brings together in unison the opinions and suggestions of the Private Sector organizations in St. Maarten, in a bid to create meaningful discussions with all stakeholders on the way forward for Country St. Maarten."
The paper was endorsed by Myra Provance President of the St. Maarten Timeshare Association, Eveline Henriquez-Dijkhoffz Director of Wholesalers Division SHTA, Keith Graham Director of St. Maarten Large Hotels SHTA, Kenrick Housen Director of Small Hotels SHTA, Danny Ramchandani President of the Indian Merchants Association, Brian Deher President of the St. Maarten Marine Trades Association, Arun Jagtani President of the Real Estate Association of St. Maarten, E. Valentine Davis Director of St. Maarten Restaurant Division SHTA, Andy Caballero Director of St. Maarten Green Environment SHTA, and Rueben Thompson Director of St. Maarten Grey Environment SHTA,
According to the release the SHTA has made clear to government "Our aim is to, with Government's support; develop innovative measures that address in a structured, efficient and effective manner, what we believe to be ten (10) of the most pressing social and economic ills that affect us all. We remain confident in the Private Sector's ability to contribute to positive and effective change, and we stand fast by our obligation to support pertinent values in human rights, labor standards, sustainable economic development as well as environmental protection and preservation programs."
The paper was submitted to Prime Minister Wescot-Williams by Executive Director for SHTA Alfred Harley on Wednesday October 31 at her Office. During the presentation Harley told Prime Minister Wescot-Williams "the primary purpose of the Ten Point Position Paper is to, in nuisance as Private Sector representatives, bring to government the growing concerns of many of many businesses and organizations within the community, in a bid to start meaningful discussions on action that can be taken to improve the social and economic climate on St. Maarten. "
He said the contents of the Ten Point Position Paper demonstrates the vast collective knowledge of these Private Sector organizations and justifiably makes them ideal candidates to advocate the need for serious attention to be paid to the concerns expressed.
Click here to view SHTA Ten Point Position Paper.
