Philipsburg: --- Island Councilman Louie Laveist has sent a letter to the chairman of the island and executive council on Tuesday seeking clarity on certain information he has been receiving concerning a senior civil servant.
Laviest in his letter to the council said that he understands that the civil servant in question has been seeking out unscrupulous business for his wife, a member of the island council. Laveist said he received information that the department head has been lobbying and possibly threatening companies that does contract work for the island government to use his wife’s consultancy firm.
Laveist said he understands that the consultancy firm charges some $10,000 per month and per company that utilizes their services. He said if the allegations are true and if ten companies commit themselves to this retainer’s fee then the firm in question would receive $1,200,000 annually. Laveist said in light of this he is posing certain questions, which is in accordance with the island’s regulation of the Netherlands Antilles. He asked if the executive council could inform the island council if the above allegations are true. If answered is in the affirmative would this be in conflict with the code of conduct regarding civil servants and government officials. The island councilman said he also would like to know what would be the response of the executive council on this issue. Laveist said he also wants to know if the companies that has committed to the consultancy firm can be issued with a fine if they fail the report this blatant abuse of power from a senior civil servant. Laveist also wants to know if the executive council would condone any member of the civil service core to abuse their power with the ultimate goal of enriching their immediate families and their self.
