St. Martin News Network

Does he get cousin Leopolds SXM card? If so, do you want one?

YES, I WANT ONE,

I HAVE BOUGHT A LOT OF THINGS IN LIFE THAT I THINK I WANTED, BUT DID NOT NEED.

SO THIS IS ONE NEEDED THING I WANT.

ONE DOES NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE OTHER.

I HAVE AND ID CARD, MONEY, LISENCE THAT STILL SAY THE NETHERLANDS ANTILLES,
SO MY ST.MAARTEN CARD WILLL BE UNIQUE, AND I WILL LEAVE THEM IN MY WILL FOR A GRANDCHILD,WHEN I GET ONE, TO SHOW THEM HOW PRIVELEDGE I WAS.

LEOPOLD, WHEN AND WHERE CAN I GET IT?

AS FOR PELICAN, I THINK GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO SOLVE THIS, TOURIST SEASON IS TOO CLOSE, FOR THIS SHIT
TO COME UP AGAIN.

GREED OH GREED, WHY?

Call Hebe to parliament cause St.Maarten is fed up with gene. Are we going to go through the tourist season in this manner. Time to get rid of lambert and the entire board, the interim management as well as the minister who claims he knows nothing about his company. If he was a CEO. Anywhere else the shareholders would have his lunch

This is surely grandstanding of NA. Are they and the Union above the verdict of the Judges who handled the verdict in this case and are the highest body. If not in agreement with the verdict then carry it for appeal. The parliament is not for appeal cases. Don't you and your Union know that? Or do NA have their own court system and all other systems (like the Judges) can go take a walk. Arrogancy here again from WM and his gang. (the gang in white). When NA thinks it can change whatever after there is a verdict by the judge.? I will surely like to know. So NA what will you and the Union like to change.? NA, stop fooling your followers and just tell them their is a verdict from the judge and it can only be appealed through that system. So NA calling a meeting in parliament cannot change the verdict from the judge, or do you WM see yourself as the judge in this through the doors of parliament.
(and your gang the Public Prosecutors). What a thing ;-)

Jules james conflict of interest---make a decsion......................

Grandstanding again:

We must a**umed that you are in agreement with Jules Jame and his company.
Whether the NA do or don't, you shall always have a problem.

Calling a meeting will indicate where the politicians stands in this matter,

To National Alliance

The Judge and the prosecutor where paid big bucks from Pelican Resort management....

Thompson is in this business for years. He knew all along what the outcome of the courts would be.

Money talks and workers walk from door to door to beg for help. I,ve been in this same situation some years back, on the same resort (casino department), with Thompson as our union leader. Thompson took a pay off from casino management under the table to go slow and the workers got a lousy pay out from SVB.

WISE OR WACKY IS ASKING WHAT UP/DP GOVERNMENT IS DOING ABOUT:

A) JOB SECURITY AND STABILITY GUARANTEEING PEACE
ON THE LABOUR MARKET AND A SECURE FUTURE
FOR THE WORKERS?????

GIVING THE ELDERY A BETTER PENSION AND
GRANTING RELIEF TO THIS PARTICULAR GROUP
SUCH AS HOME IMPROVEMENT AND RELIEF TO THEIR
ENERGY CONSUMPTION BILLS?????

C) PREPARING OF THE YOUTH FOR THE JOB MARKET
SUCH AS RE-TRAINING, SUBSTITUTE TRAINING AND
ADDITIONAL TRAINING TO ACQUIRE JOB SKILLS IN
THE JOB MARKET?????

D) FIGHTING INCREASE CRIMES IN OUR COMMUNITIES
TO RESTORE A SENSE OF SAFETY AND SECURITY
IN OUR PEOPLE??????

E) RESTORING OF ETHICS, CREDIBILITY AND INTERGRITY
IN OUR MINISTERS AND PARLIAMENTARIANS WHILE
HOLDING PUBLIC OFFICE?????

F) GUARANTEEING THE WORKERS AT PELICAN RESORT
JOB SECURITY AGAINST ATTEMPT BY MR.JUDAS
JAMES TO EXPLOIT THE WORKERS FORCING THEM TO
ACCEPT 6 MONTHS LABOUR CONTRACT ABOVE THEIR
PERMANENT LABOUR STATUS?????

MR. THEO HEYLIGER WHAT ARE YOU DOING ABOUT PROTECTING THE PELICAN RESORT WORKERS IN THEIR STRUGGLE TO MAINTAIN THEIR JOB AS PERMANENT EMPLOYESS AT THAT ESTABLISHMENT?????

MR.THEO HEYLIGER WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT THE IMPORTED MEXICAN WORKERS WHO WERE INTENTIONALLY HIRED TO REPLACE THE PELICAN RESORT WORKERS?????

MR.THEO HEYLIGER ARE YOU GOING TO CALL ON YOUR COLLEGUE MR.ROLAND DUNCAN TO HAVE THE IMMIGRATION DEPORT THE IMPORTED MEXICAN WORKERS FROM THE PREMISES OF PELICAN RESORT?????

MR.JUDAS JAMES YOU BETTER BE PRESENT AT THAT PARLIAMENT MEETING AND SHOW THE PEOPLE ON WHAT SIDE OF THE FENCE YOU ARE STANDING OR SIITING ON!!!!!

MR.JUDAS JAMES YOU ARE:

A) A SCUM BAG,
A WHIMP,
C) AND A HOUSE SLAVE DOING ALL THE DIRTY WORK
FOR YOUR UNCLE TOM.

YOU ARE RIDING ON THIS CHARIOT OF THIS CREATURE CALLED UNITY GOVERNMENT AND ENJOYING IT AND DON'T WANT THE PLEASURE TO GO.

BUT JUST REMEMBER PEOPLE ARE GOING TO HIT YOU WHERE IT HURTS,OK.

YOU ARE ALREADY SKATING ON THIN ICE.

@wise n wacky:

D) All of the above and then some.

The general public should read some more; some of you ought to be ashamed at your lack of knowledge and downright ignorance of how things work. Members of parliament are legislators. Irrespective of what political party you are a**ociated with, the member of parliament has an obligation to bring to light issues of concern. These include the present despicable employment practices. In other words, the NA faction is doing its job. What amazes me is how the same public -- voters -- do not call government to order and demand that they are respected. Imagine the largest vote-earner on St. Maarten, the de facto government leader, not having one word to say on this issue. Way to go, St. Maarten people.

Correction:sad:and your gang the Public Prosecutors). should read and your gang the NA supporters and not repeat not the Public Prosecutors.

Judas James immediately has to step back as "representative" of the people.

(My apologies but this is going to be one of my longest rants ever .... I think). ;-)

I am, oh so, disappointed in the Union in this whole affair.
This saga could have been avoided and possibly solved since February.
Mr. Thompson, let the spotlight go to his head. He did not need no fancy Lawyer ..... AT THAT TIME.

A Union is there to negotiate on behalf of its members BUT Mr. Thompson failed in this aspect to the max.
Why NOW go to the Labor Office??????. THERE (Lab. off.) is where he should have been way back in January when this whole situation started unfolding.

A request was sent to "The Dissmissal Committee" (By the previous Man. Co. of Pelican) to terminate the employees but instead of waiting on Committee's actions/ decision, the Union decided to take the case to Courts.
Govt. DID get involved and tried to mediate between parties but, again, the Union was not open to any negotiations and /or reasoning. The Union took all decision making away from the Committee/Govt. and gave it to the Courts. ......... The Courts has now spoken. ....... Don't blame the Govt. NOW for this situation.

What Parliament (including NA faction) should have done is to make a decision on the 6 months contract ..... IF they dare to.
The 6 months contract or seasonal contract, NO WHERE IN THE WORLD, is illegal by International Law/Standards. Please let the Union or NA faction prove differently.

The main point was (should have been) to negotiate a permanent contract for those employees who have been working for years and/or are of Dutch Nationality (I am sure that would not have been 180 employees) with the payment of their Years of Service/settlement package from the previous Management Company.

All employees, holding "work permits", should then have been offered seasonal contracts. A work permit is granted for 1 year and is to be renewed each year (with no guarantees of renewal). So how could that employee become permanent ???
AGAIN, a work-permit is not guaranteed or obligatory. It is there ONLY IF no persons "of Dutch nationality/holding permanent residency" are available to fill the requested positions.

To be continued ............

........... Continued.

So why now blame the Govt. for upholding and defending the very Laws that are in place to protect/safe guard employment of Dutch Nationals FIRST ???? Why now blame Govt. for having done NOTHING to remedie the situation at Pelican???? Why now blame the (so called) new Management Company of Pelican Resorts for trying to "financially" safe guard their investments??????? Face it .... Business is business and its a Dog eat Dog world out there.

Put the blame where it is due. Blame the Union for messing up their representation of their members, blame the Lawyers for not properly doing their homework and blame the NA faction for not abolishing the 6 months/seasonal contract (as they promissed when they were the ruling government) but instead were handing out work-permits left right and center, thereby making it much more difficult for locals to secure employment.

Pelican has also now hired temp. workers until this mess is cleared up ..... and THAT too is NOT illegal.

My, "unpaid advise", to the Union is to "lap their tails between their legs" .... apologize to Labor ... and NOW seek any possible advise from Mr. Holiday, Mr. Boasman and, I believe (still), Mr. Lopes (Labor Mediators) on how to further proceed with this case. Also learn to take advise from those who NOT ONLY hold Law degrees but who ALSO have years of experience in Labor Laws and/or solving Labor Disputes

However, Mr. J James MUST (be forced to) step down as a member of Parliament This is a clear "Conflict of Interest". Mr. James, of all people, should know that "you cannot serve 2 masters".

Correction: "He did not need no fancy Lawyer" ... should be ...
"He did not need any fancy Lawyer"

MP JULES JAMES IS A HOUSE NIG-GER

MP JAMES (JUDAS) NOT SERVING TWO MASTERS, HE SERVING ONE , “PELICANS” The slave masters.

Somebody need to burn it down “we build it and if we can’t have from it , burn it” Remember Curaçao in 1969 ? Since SXM don’t belong to us , not to the fu-cking politicians.

If they want to take it from us and send us back to slavery, lets burn the MOTHER FU-CKKKKKER DOWN!
And we all go back to slavery together….

@ The US Factor.

That is pure "BULL CRAP".

Pelican does not belong to Jules James. Yes, Mr. James is "No Good" but burning down Pelican is NOT going to solve any of the problems or give the employees back their jobs.

As "wicked" AND "cold hearted" as this might sound, to some of you, I would much rather see a ma**ive clean up of "recent" immigrant workers" no granting of "work/employment permits" to Pelican and/or its Management companies, strict controll by Labor inspectors insuring that no illegal workers are found on the property, than to agree to/support burning down of the property.

Get real, we need solutions to the problems, not create additional problems.

I have heard and seen many movies about "slavery" and I surely have no intentions of going there .... THANK YOU MUCH. :o ;-)

WISE OR WACKY IS POINTING HIS FINGER IN THE DIRECTION WHERE ATTENTION AND ACTION ARE NEEDED.

A) MR.JUDAS JAMES SEEMINGLY OR PURPOSELY ESTABLISHED HIS COMPANY ALPHA MARKETING FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE TO BRING IN CHEAP IMPORTED MEXICAN WORKERS TO REPLACE THE PERMANENT EMPLOYEES AT PELICAN RESORT WHEN AND WHILE BEING A PARLIAMENTARIAN!!!!!!
PARLIAMENTARIAN MR.JUDAS JAMES IS HELL BENT IN MAKING THIS HAPPEN QUICKLY
THIS CONFLICT OF INTEREST STINKS AS HELL,OK.

LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS JUST MUM, MUTE, DEAF, DUMB AND DEAD ON THE LABOUR ABUSE AND LABOUR EXPLOITATION AT MANY ESTABLISHMENTS THAT HAPPEN TO BE THE CAMPAIGN SPONSORS OF MANY POLITICIANS IN GOVERNMENT.
NO LABOUR INSPECTIONS ARE BEING CONDUCTED AT THESE OFF LIMIT ESTABLISHMENTS WHO ARE HAVING A WALK IN THE PARK OR A FIELD DAY.

C) THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT NEVER FUNCTIONS AS A LABOUR INSTITUTION PUTTING OUR PEOPLE ON THE JOB MARKET BUT RATHER SEEKS EMPLOYMENT FOR THE IMPORTED CHEAP a** LABOUERS WHO ARE PLACED IN THE VACANT FUNCTIONS AT THE VARIOUS BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS.

D) BECAUSE OF THIS ONGOING CORRUPTION AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT LOCALS RIGHTFULLY SEE NO NEED TO REGISTER AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

E) THE REGISTERING OF IMPORTED CHEAP a** LABOURERS AND PLACING THEM IN VACANCIES AT VARIOUS BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS IS A BIG BUSINESS AT THIS LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

F) SEEMINGLY THE SISTER OF THE BIG BOSS AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS ONE OF THE FEW ESTABLISHED AUTHORIZED LABOUR AGENCY THAT THRIVES ON THE LABOUR ABUSE ON "COUNTRY STATUS ST.MAARTEN"

D) COMFORTABLY OR CONVENIENTLY GOVERNMENT MINISTERS CHOOSE NOT TO INTERFERE BECAUSE OF THEIR BUSINESS a**OCIATION THAT ARE LINKED TO THESE ESTABLISHMENTS SOMETHING EVERYBODY ON "COUNTRY STATUS ST.MAARTEN" ALREADY KNOWS.

CONCLUSION:
IN ORDER TO SOLVE THE LABOUR ABUSE AND LABOUR EXPLOITATION STARTS AND STOPS WITH GOVERNMENT OOPS GANGSTERS.

BUSINESS a**OCIATIONS, BUSINESS LINKS, ACCEPTANCE OF CORPORATE CAMPAIGN FUNDINGS AND MANY OTHERS ONLY FEED, FUEL AND FATTEN THE DESIRE OF GREED AND CORRUPTION.

@hold up one minute:

Am I correct to say that in the Netherlands a temporary contract automatically ends at the end of the contract without parties coming to an agreement for a following contract (just like on SXM)? Added to that, if the contract ends and someone else is hired for the same position then the former employee has legal grounds to fight the ending of his-her contract when no written-oral explanation was given on the non-renewal of the temporary contract (like with a dismissal)?

I think such a provision is not stated in the labor laws of the former Netherlands Antilles and now country SXM. This would take away the abuse of the six month contracts......I'm just saying.....

I agree with 'hold up one minute' on various points.
The union really messed up with this one.
They played hard ball, while practicing. There was no opposing team on the field where they were playing.
Before you tell your players (workers) how good they are, you must know the opposing team (Employers).

When the information about possible sales started, the union could have made it impossible to sell, unless the workers were taken care of properly, based on the CLA.
No new owners can be forced to maintain a situation that could have caused the busness to be up for sale in the first place.

Mr. James accepted two jobs.
When you accept a job, you accept the terms of the employer.
I don't blame him for representing Pelican to the best of his abilities.
As far as the other job, Member of Parliament, I believe he cannot represent the owners (population) to the best of his abilities.

This has been my opinion from the beginning and he keeps proving me right.
The 'honorable' thing for the honorable Member of Parliament to do, is to avoid conflicts within his 'soul and conscience' and resign from one of the two jobs.

I realize money can be tempting, but is it woth it to have the battles going on in one's 'soul and conscience'?

Blessings!!

@hold up one minute:

Judas James being "no good" qualifies him like the majority of our parliamentarians.

I bet you that some of the votes he got are from the same employees he's firing now. This man is not only an incompetent parliamentarian, but he is a liar, a cheat and a fraud.

@hold up one minute:

I agree with you that the union could have done more, but you are putting way too much wait in the union's corner.

May I remind you that the whole change has been a set up by a financially powerful group with ties to our political leaders. This change did not happen over night. It was well thought through and support was given by those who we call our own for that green paper.

The 182 people are totally irrelevant to all parties, but the union. I am disappointed that our government only wanted to mediate after the social uproar on the island. I am disappointed in those legislators (all parliamentarians) who were making so much noise during election time, but can not perform up until today. They remind me of cheap whores. I am disappointed in the lawyers who apparently do not now how to approach a labor dispute. It is not always about the letter of the law, but coming to a consensus.

This whole issue is demonstrating the sickness this country is suffering from. From the private sector to government, from those employed to those being brought in from abroad.

It is sickening to watch this saga unfold. Somewhere it has to stop and the only way this stops is when the people take back the island.

Dun Wid It!!!!!!

@ "WISE OR WACKY"

While I "tried" to see the facts in some of your points, however, I cannot agree with point C. AND questions your statements on point F.

Point C. When, the "THEN" "Interim" head of Labor/DP Govt. put harsh measures/Laws (aka "The New Labor Policy") in place to make it difficult .... if not "impossible" ..... for businesses to bring in foreign manpower in a bid to give locals a better chance of employment, he was fought down by the "THEN" Minister of Labor, who was hell bent on granting foreigners work permits right, left and center also.

When the NA took up office in 2009, the first action they took was to "go back" to "The Old Labor Policy", which was an "old Law" that made it EXTREMELY easy for businesses to be granted permission to bring in foreign workers. The THEN Minister of Labor was VERY proud of himself for fighting against the THEN "Interim" head of Labor AND making it easy for businesses to bring every Harry, Dick and Tom. How quickly you forgot. ;-)

Point F. Are you sure of that statement? From very, very, very reliable sources I understand that Empl. Agencies are NOT allowed to bring in any first time/new "Foreign employees". This was also implemented by the "THEN" Interim Head of Labor. I have also learned that indeed his sister has an agency (its no secret), which she had YEARS before he became "Interim head of Labor" ... I believe since some 20 years ago, should she have closed her business because he got that position???. Anyhow, that should no longer be a problem since HE is NO LONGER the "Interim head of Labor" ;-) ;-) ... But ..... apparently She still operates her business. HHHmmmm Could it be that she did not need or never needed him??????

I have also learned that her employees have all benefits, tax, svb, loans (bank), etc. etc. wise that very few other Agencies and/or few companies in general on the Island offers their employees and they are NOT on contract. She also employs way more locals than legally residing foreigners and as I heard, does not collect any monthly fees from her employees ...... So where is the criminality/corruption in his sister owning a legitimately/authorized (as you self said) operating Employment Agency as there are so many of all over the world????
So please enlighten me .. How exactly does she Thrive on the Labour Abuse of Country SXM?????

Conclusion:
is that "Parliament" ALL partie...

Wait=weight

I am so disapointed in Roman Laville in this whole matter see how quit hei s in this whole matter,that young boy never will get my vote again.
I guess he Flip Flop again !!!

Now, this is the "Shooz" I first met, ;-)

Unfortunately, if you properly ready my comment (with the exception ref. the Union) you are actually in accordance with my statements. However, you are still not accepting the fact that Mr. Thompson (as several others), being a Union Leader for all these years, has not advanced to a point where he should be .... As a Union Leader.

Re.: "The 182 people are totally irrelevant to all parties, but the union"
- A Union is there to negotiate on behalf of its members

Re.: "I am disappointed in those legislators (all parliamentarians)"
- What Parliament (including NA faction) should have done is to make a decision on the 6 months contract

Re.: I am disappointed in the lawyers who apparently do not now how to approach a labor dispute
- blame the Lawyers for not properly doing their homework
- take advise from those who NOT ONLY hold Law degrees but who ALSO have years of experience in Labor Laws and/or solving Labor Disputes


THEN:
Re.: I think such a provision is not stated in the labor laws of the former Netherlands Antilles and now country SXM. This would take away the abuse of the six month contracts
- The main point was (should have been) to negotiate a permanent contract for those employees who have been working for years and/or are of Dutch Nationality


The employees put their trust and confidence in THEIR Union and he made all the wrong decisions .... in this case.

Also, Govt. does not have to ... right away .... involve themselves in Labor disputes, unless the Union calls on them or it becomes critical, which it did AND which they did, when it was so required ... when parties came to a "Deadlock". (There is a Labor Office AND Dissmissal Committee) However, DID the Union take/follow their advise?????

Nevertheless, The Union is the "Body" that remains responsible for the well being of their members.

@hold up one minute:

Wow.....That is some source you've got ;-)

@hold up one minute:

Judas James was an advocate of solving the issues surrounding the 6 month contract prior elections like many other politicians from all parties. This is why I brought up the 6 month contract and I was actually asking you for your input.



Government issued the license to the "new" employer without a booh or bah and by doing so helping the "new" company becoming the entity who can do as they please. Certain conditions could have been demanded before issuing a license.

You only go court if you are 100 percent sure that you win or when you are looking for a precedent for future similar situations. A "deadlock" always can be forced open via a new strategy. A court case is really a last resort.

We all know that the "new" employer is in fact the same employer. Twist it in as many legal terms as you want. They have no consideration for their employees at all.

So, yes, the union is responsible for her workers (in my post I agreed with you that the union could have done more). But every other player (employer, government, lawyers) messed up as well. The union alone is not to blame.

do you know why today poor people suffer at the hands of these evil employers? because the same people today requesting urgent meetings of parliament because it's available as a mere formality ,did not make the six months contracts go away instead they fix up themselves and friends so acting as if you are now in the poorman corner is actually a form of grandstanding and it aint got sh...t parliament can do to make them take back the workers so again poor people left with the sh...tty end of the stick, this contry really suck.al you can wait till elections again for al the promises and propaganda they will be offering.....god dont sleep..jules will get what coming to him soon

TO HOLD UP ONE MINUTE,

SINCE THE THEN NA/THEO HEYLIGER GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO GO BACK TO THE OLD LABOUR POLICY ALLOWING PRACTISES SUCH AS THE EASILY HIRING OF FOREIGN WORKERS, WHY THEN DO THE PRESENT UP/DP GOVERNMENT NOT ADAPT THAT NEW LABOUR POLICY DRAFTED UP BY THE THEN INTERIM HEAD OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT??????

AT LEAST ANOTHER PARTY OTHER THAN THE NA WOULD HAVE THEN CORRECTED THIS PROBLEM.

USUALLY LOCALS OR NATIVES DO NOT REGISTER FOR EMPLOYMENT AT THE LABOUR OFFICE OR AT EMLOYMENT AGENCIES BECAUSE THAT IS NOT MANDATORY OR COMPELLED BY LAW.

AS SUCH FOREIGN WORKERS OVERRIDINGLY MAKE USE OF THIS EMPLOYMENT REGISTRATION TO GAIN EMPLOYMENT.

THE FACT THAT THE THEN INTERIM HEAD OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS RELATED TO THE OWNER OF AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY CREATE A SEMBLENCE OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND COULD ALSO HAVE BEEN IN NEED OF HIS a**ISTANCE.

THIS SITUATION COULD HAVE EASILY LED TO UNFAIR COMPETITION AND TREATMENT AMONG RIVAL AGENCIES WHEN REQUESTING EPMLOYMENT PERMITS FOR THEIR APPLICANTS.

WE EXPECTED PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT COULD HAVE BEEN THE ORDER OF THE DAY.
WHY BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER.

NOW WAIT A MINUTE YOU CAN TRY AS HARD AS YOU WISH OR WANT BUT EVERYBODY KNOWS WHERE TO POINT THEIR FINGER AT THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEMS AFFECTING OUR PEOPLE AND COUNTRY.

NOW WAIT A MINUTE PEOPLE ARE PROPERLY INFORMED WHO ARE ACTUALLY THE CAUSE AND ROOTS OF OUR PREDICAMENTS.

NOW WAIT A MINUTE THE VICTIMS OF THIS WICKED AND WORTHLESS SYSTEM ARE STILL AWAITING THE PROMISED PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY FOR QUITE A LONG TIME NOW.

THE SOURCE OF OUR PROBLEMS AND PREDICAMENTS IS NONE ELSE THAN GOVERNMENT OOPS GANGSTERS.

THERE IS WHERE ALL FINGERS ARE POINTED TO.

THERE IS WHERE ALL ATTENTION IS FOCUSSED ON.

AND THERE IS WHERE WE THE PEOPLE WILL BE KNOCKING AT

why all these kind of bad expression if every one of you had a family member that worked so tired day and night and just to see in no time mr judas wind his a** into then pelican resort and try to fool who he can he take million of the yankey dollar and miss use it but is one thing he forget is the yankey dollar say that in god we trust to get the dollar you must spend it wisely at all times and if you choose to spend it differently that his problem thompson he tried his best i can only say his best because it is not good or easy when you have to go to government and you think that they are helping you out of your problem only to find out that they cut a pack of cards on top of your head so if you think that they do not know what they are doing its all right to judge some one of wrong doing but when you swear to up hold the law and you break the law you should be nothing but condem and this goes to the mr judas judges and if by any chance they took the lawyer for a ride and then throw him off for the yankey dollar remember the dollar say in god i put my trust so weather judge did the right thing or not he will have to pay one not with the yankey dollar they will see plenty of yankey dollars in hell i only hope that they will always remember that money then belong to all of pelican workers it no more belong to the yankey man now the fbi will shore get you dum judas pluss your 3 judges make shore you pay them before you file bankcrupt ;-)

@ "Shooz".

Yep, I do "try" to stay well informed and "on top of my game" at ALL times and in EVERYTHING that I do ;-) ;-)

On a serious note.
Ref.: 6 months contract. As I previously mentioned, it is NOT illegal but like so many other Laws, there are ALWAYS "loopholes" and ways to get around/twist and/or manipulate the Law. Simple ammendments to the 6mos./1 year/seasonal contracts could easily be implemented/imposed which WOULD protect the workers, in f.i. the ways you mentioned.

However, it is clear that Govt./Parliament is hesitant to not become competitve in the investment world and would rather "neglect/avoid" dealing with f.i. the 6 months contract

Ref.: going to Courts. I agree 100%. That is why I am so upset with the way that this was dealt with by the Union. They should have known better. First try to exhaust ALL other options then if all else fail you go it the way of Court cases. They sought the (for them) easiest way out and it backfired terribly ... on the employees.

Ref. new employer. Again I have to agree with you. However, Legalities rule and business IS business and MOST "big Investors" ONLY care about securing their investments. Their workers are seen only as the means to do so.

Indeed, I will admit that the Union is not solely to blame but I will remind each and every Union Leader that representing their members is a 24/7/365 job. Even when the waters seems calm, they MUST always be on their guards and look out for any possible mishaps in the near or far future. They are to use the "peaceful" time to insure that the rights of their members are being upgraded as per the Labor Laws and at the same time, "educate" themselves and their "shopstewards" to face any punches that might come their way.

Now, last but not least, ref. License to "new employer".
I do not recall if the license was ever published via the "Media". However, blindly speaking, I WILL say that, based on the request that was made, there was very little that could have been "demanded", other than insisting that they "hire Dutch Nationals".

It would also be quite interesting to know "WHEN" the request was submitted and the License was issued, since it takes appr. 6 mos or more to process a business License. They DID have the license in hand by, at least, December of 2010. When did we have elections and when did the present Govt. take office??????

YEP, guess they ALL just full of "what the septic trucks pump". However, in the meatime, no one else but the employees are being jipped and left to suffer the consequences.

@ "WISE OR WACKY"

While I do agree that (ALL) our reps. (UPP/DP/NA) "seem" to care very very little about the well being of the people we MUST research and remain informed of the facts.

Your question: "WHY THEN DO THE PRESENT UP/DP GOVERNMENT NOT ADAPT THAT NEW LABOUR POLICY DRAFTED UP BY THE THEN INTERIM HEAD OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT??????

My best answer = The THEN "Interim head" is no longer in that position. (since last year). So who is now there to champion and/or push for the "implementation" of the "New Labor Policy"?????? That is what Dept. heads are there for .... to advise their bosses (The directors and Ministers) of what would best serve the people. It is now up to the "Present Dept. Head of Labor" AND the Minister of Labor to push for this Policy to be re-inforced. (The Policy IS there ready to be used).

Your statement:
THIS SITUATION COULD HAVE EASILY LED TO UNFAIR COMPETITION AND TREATMENT AMONG RIVAL AGENCIES WHEN REQUESTING EPMLOYMENT PERMITS FOR THEIR APPLICANTS.

WE EXPECTED PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT COULD HAVE BEEN THE ORDER OF THE DAY.
WHY BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER.

My best respond to that = I WOULD "whole heartedly" agree with you IF it IS proven that his sister is/ was "competitve" in the requesting of employment permits.
An Employment Agency is NOT and SHOULD NOT be (first and foremost) about requesting of "Employment permits" or "Preferential" hiring of "Foreign" employees.
It is (SHOULD BE) just as what the name states: "An Employment Agency" .... Meaning that it should supply employment to ANY applicant (legally allowed to work on SXM) once the availability is there in the market and the applicant qualifies for the position.

Now, how does a person have/gain rights to "legally work" on the Island?????? 01. If they are of Dutch Nationality and registerd on SXM. 02. (in the case of a foreigner) If they have permanent residency with "no prohibition" to work and registered on SXM. 03. (in the case of a foreigner) If their employer has a valid "employment permit" allowing them to hire an employee and that employee MUST have a valid residency permit allowing them to reside on the Island.

Also, the "unemployed" SHOULD never or WILL never be obligated/forced to register WITH any Employment Agency since the Agencies ARE NOT Governmet Agencies
the unemployed are at "Free Will" to apply at any Employment Agency of their choice.

However, my advise to you is that YOU research the runnings/operation...

TO HOLD UP ONE MINUTE,

OBSERVATION 1.

THERE IS OR WAS AN ADD STUCK AT THE FRONT DESK OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT INDICATING TO THE PUBLIC WHERE THEY CAN SEEK a**ISTANCE IN REQUESTING AN EMPLOYMENT PERMIT,OK.

AND YOU NO WHAT THE DIRECTION OR ADDRESS OF THIS HOPEFULL OR HELPFULL EMPLOYMENT AGENCY IS OR WAS THE INDENTICAL ADDRESS OF THE FAMILY EMPLOYMENT AGENCY, WOW WOW WOW WOW.

THIS IS THE UNFAIR AND PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT HIGHTLIGHTED BY WISE OR WACK,OK.

OBSERVATION 2.

THE SITUATION REGARDING EMPLOYMENT ON THE LABOUR MARKET ONLY ENCOURAGES FOREIGN CHEAP LABOURERS TO APPROACH EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES IN PLACING THEM IN VACANCIES AT VARIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS BECAUSE OF THEIR RESIDENTIAL STATUS THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SEEK EMPLOYMENT VIA THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THIS PARTICULAR SEGMENT OF FOREIGN LABOURERS WHO ARE IN POSSESSION PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT PERMIT THAT IS UP FOR RENEWAL WILL THEN ALWAYS APPROACH EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES BECAUSE OF NOT BEING ABLE TO FIND A BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT TO SIGN FOR THEM,OK.

AND WHERE DO THEY TURN TO BELIEVE ME OR NOT TO THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES BECAUSE THEIR ACTUAL EMPLOYER RATHER PREFER THAT OTHERS SIGN FOR THEM SO THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY FILE FOR AN EMPLOYMENT PERMIT AND ONCE GRANTED THEY THEN SUPPLY LABOUR TO THE BUSINESS ESTABLIOSHMENT.

OBSERVATION 3.

THE REASON WHY THIS SITUATION WILL CONTINUE IS BECAUSE:

1) THE BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS PREFER TO HAVE CHEAP FOREIGN IMPORTED LABOURERS IN SERVICE TO CONTINUE THEIR LABOUR ABUSE AND LABOUR EXPLOITATION.

2) THE BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS PREFER TAKE ON CHEAP FOREIGN IMPORTED LABOURERS IN SERVICE SUPPLY BY THESE EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES TO AVOID TAKING ON THE DIRECT RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE WORKERS SUCH AS:

A) DIRECT PAYMENT OF TAXES,
DIRECT PAYMENT OF SOCIAL INSURANCES,
C) DIRECT CONTRACTUAL EMPLOYMENT OBLIGATION,

IN OTHER WORDS THESE BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS CAN EASILY GET RID OFF THESE LABOURERS WITHOUT HAVING TO APPROACH THE DISMISSAL COMMITTEE.

CONCLUSION:

WISE OR WACKY CHOOSES TO DEFEND OR PROTECT THE LABOURERS WHO ARE ACTUALLY THE WEAKEST LINK IN THE LABOUR, BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT TRI-PARTITE BODY.

EVEN IF UNION MADE MISTAKES GOVERNMENT MUST STEP UP TO THE PLATE BY TAKING DECISION AND GIVING DIRECTION AS TO WHERE THIS SITUATION OUGHT TO GO.

NO OUR GOVERNMENT OOPS GANGSTERS CHOOSES TO REMAIN ON THE SIDE LINES AND LET PELICAN RESORT AND UNION BATTLE IT OUT,OK.

EVERYBODY ON "COUNTRY STATUS ST.MAARTEN" KNOWS ALREADY THAT POLITICIANS IN GOVERNMENT THROUGH THEIR BUSINESS LINKS, BUSINESS a**OCIATIONS, BUSINESS INTERESTS FIND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO TAKE A PUBLIC POSITION OR STAND IN THE ONGOING PELICAN RESORT AND UNION SAGA!!!!!

WHAT A GOVERNMENT OOPS GANGSTERS.

;-) ;-) ;-)

@ WISE OR WACKY

And neither YOU or the other Agencies EVER reported this BOLD public display of "Conflict of Interest" to Govt.??? .... or at least to the "NA" who WOULD have been more than happy to expose such a clear case of corruption at the Labor Office?????

Are you also saying that both the previous Comm. Laveist AND Hyacinth Richardson were party to such "blatant" Corruption and preferential treatment of any one company???? And that the "THEN" ruling Govt. (NA) .... instead of firing him .... actually promoted this "corrupt" gentleman to a "Higher Position" in Govt."?????

Damn .... guess I better hurry up, get a job in Govt., commit all types of criminal acts and sit back and wait for my "promotion" too. OOPS .... guess I have to wait until "NA" is once again the ruling Govt.

NOW I understand why you use the "blog name":
"WISE OR WACKY". In my view it should be "WISE OR WACKY????" ;-) ;-)

But I WILL agree with you that emloyees need their own "Ombudsman" to represent them. Hey ... Maybe YOU and I could/should give Mr. Thompson a hand in this ongoing "Pelican" Saga.

Yes, I know that I said I was done with the above topic but sorry, I simply love the humor of it all and HAD TO come back one more time. ;-)

@ Shooz & Hold up one minute!!!! from sxm day speech :

Political Leaders Urged People to Stay Together and to Work in Unity

What a slap in the FACE of 182 plus family , but it doesn't matter who don't vote for them next election .

We going too import 812 cheap labour give them voting cards to keep us UPP in power ..... so 182 we don't care if you don't vote any more