Pantophlet reminded the public of famous WODC Report. The report had mentioned several issues such as the Judiciary, illegal immigration. It had questioned the fact that although the economy of St. Maarten seemed strong it was not reflected in the government's coffers.
The Brooks Tower Accord has exposed the exploitation and or abuse of workers it exposed the fact that approximately 70% of businesses are not paying their taxes and this practice continues to date. The senator said only recently he received a as call from an employee whose employer refused to give them a pay slip.
Based on information he received from the Inspectorate of taxes only 30% of businesses and persons are carrying the load in taxes. "What we need from our Kingdom partner is cooperation in dealing with the difficult issues that is facing country to be St. Maarten". Pantophlet said that if there is a time to start with cooperation its now. The Netherlands Antilles in general and St. Maarten in particular is trying to find a solution for the many undocumented immigrants and they need all the assistance they can get.
He made clear that St. Maarten is not rewarding illegality but are trying to deal with this problem. If all goes well St. Maarten will become country on October 10, 2010 and government is doing its utmost to ensure that they know what our reality is.
Ironically, the same fears expressed by the Dutch now on the Brooks Tower Accord are those, which are being expressed by St. Maarten in being overrun by Europeans. Furthermore, access to the Netherlands is not as easy as one would think.
There are stringent requirements in place. First of all a working and residence permit does not give immigrants free access to the Netherlands as the person would require a visitor's visa. Where the Dutch Nationality is concerned, one has to be registered five consecutive years and has to pass through a rigid test. "If we would look at the statistics, less people are coming into consideration for the Dutch Nationality than in the past." The senator said. At present, the Minister of Justice of the Netherlands Antilles is responsible for all five islands. When St. Maarten becomes country, this responsibility will be in the hands of the Minister of Justice of St. Maarten, and government already has some ideas as to how to address the immigration issues. I can start by pointing fingers as to who is responsible for what but that is water under the bridge and does not solve the problem. "I think our Kingdom partner should applaud our efforts in tackling such a daunting task and see us as willing to grab the bull by the horn." Pantophlet said.
