PHILIPSBURG:--- We have been hearing on several occasions that the Telem management is in speaking/ negotiation terms with DIGCEL.
The intentions are to sell 50% or more of Telcell to DIGICEL. Telcell who is that cash generated division of the Telem Group will be sold.
The flowing was done after the initial plan was executed by appointing the directors for the Operating Company of the Telem Group. A restructuring was finalized in 2012 to bring a drop in the personnel cost which was the highest cost according to the management.
During that period improvements were made by pricing of products/ services, launch of new services, the strength of sales was increased and a stronger relationship was increased with our customers. We have streamlined our products and process to improve the overall sales of the company.
The books prove that we have been profitable year with the exception of 2012 due to the restructuring. In addition we have just obtained two loans for the fiber project. These loans were granted with the projection of the income and profit of Telem Group, including 100% of cash generated by Telcell.
The reason for selling is not the take the company out of financial shortage but for other reasons unknown to the union and our members.
Each one of the other former Netherlands Antilles Island own their telephone company and we do believe that they also have issues but NO one is selling or merging.
The union would is asking: when you have a financial issue within your house hold do another wife or husband in the marriage?
The union is asking the shareholder representative to stop the sale/ merger of our local company. DIGICEL is operating on the French side of the Island and other countries who has given them a license to do so. Even if DAUPHIN or ORAGNE want to sell all their shares with DIGICEL that should not be the reason for our management and Board to sell Telcell to DIGICEL.
We do not need to sell. All we need to sell is good service to the public of Country St. Maarten.
St. Maarten Communication Union
