Marigot: -- Delegated Prefet Dominique La Croix in his New Year's message said he noticed over the past 18 months St. Martin was not getting the type of representation it needed in its mother country and the appointment of Laurent Fuentes to the National Social and Economic Council as well as the election of Senator Louis Constant Fleming was indeed warranted.
He said he strongly believed that St. Martin was given a distorted image in France and in most cases not in the best interest of the island. Furthermore St. Martin is not well known and the realities of the island are not well perceived. Recent television shows has unfortunately distorted the island's image for yet another time. The State representative said he believed it is of uttermost importance that some proper communication and explanation which will portray a more accurate image of St. Martin be done.
LaCroix said St. Martin now holds more competencies in its hand since the transfer of those competencies from the Region, Department and State has taken place.
St. Martin also has full control over its resources and capacities. Even though the State is aware of the financial predicament which is linked to the collection of tax revenues.
Addressing the loss of the Octroi de Mer funds which amounts to some 12 million Euros LaCroix said those monies are right here on the island if all taxes are collected. He said should everyone pay their share of taxes then the lost monies can be recovered.
LaCroix said even though the Constitutional Council has eliminated the promise the State made when they said they would have accompanied St. Martin for at least three years until its tax revenue has improved. However, he felt even though challenged the island and its people will recover faster that they expected if they collect the taxes that is levied.
Lacroix said that it is the citizens of this island (Saint Martiners) have to determine their ability to shoulder its burden, and to do that they would need to adopt certain tax policies. The head of State said everyone must pay their dues since their can be no public service without taxation. He said the island has one injustice by having one sets of people paying taxes and others fail to uphold their civil obligation.
Already the State has begun taking its responsibilities seriously since the necessary reinforcement of the Prefecture has already taken place. Another successful challenge he said is the fight against illegal employment even though there has been an influx of migrants to the island.
He said the fight will be strengthen when the new labor inspector takes office in March this year.
Crime and Violence
LaCroix said the island suffered at the hands of criminals since violence in crime had drastically increased during September and October last year. These crimes he said was committed by gangs from the other Caribbean islands.
To deal with the crime situation an Armed Robbery Team was put in place with some arrests being made by both side law enforcement officers. LaCroix said he learnt two lessons in fighting crime which involves investigative work in a discreet and unspectacular way. However, this takes time and consumes lots of resources both human and financially.
He said the headquarters of the Gendarmes took note of what they have learnt during this last 18 months and added two more investigating officers to the team for 2009 while a specific amount of monies was given to Guadeloupe which will be used to send a fresh supply of people upon request.
The head of state said everyone living on St. Martin has a responsibilty and it is not only the state's business. The municipal police as well as the elected representatives have to take up their role. Including the social services and the schools along with the business community both public and private sectors.
One cannot say at the same time that security is the most important question in St Martin, that conditions the survival and the development of the economy, and not to put in one's own contribution, which starts with respecting the law.
One cannot complain about a society where the young people have no reference or role models and at the same time. people in general have to respect the rules of society. LaCroix admitted that there still remains a lot of work to do on St. Martin when it comes to restoring law and order It is all about reinstating the rule of law which they have committed themselves to do since delinquency will not if the society does not reject it.
Indeed, local realities and specificities have to be taken into consideration and, that is the meaning of the autonomy given to St. Martin.
For that purpose, the organic law provided the possibility to adapt the law to local realities. Legal and institutional tools are in place; it is up to you to use them. LaCroix said.
ECONOMIC CRISIS
LaCroix said he thinks that the worldwide economic crisis must be a lesson for us, as te society is at stake... I am afraid that St Martin is sometimes suffering, from ills similar to those of the world economy. We know that the year 2009 will be difficult because the crisis in general and it is to be feared that neither the very beautiful beaches, nor the leisure offered to visitors, nor the attractive climate will be sufficient to protect St. martin from the impact.
He outline at least three qualities that the island possesses which if properly used will assist them in the crisis ahead. :
- The presence of quality enterprises with enterprising, serious and motivated managers.
- An economic diversification that is already a reality because if tourism is the main pillar of the economy, other sectors are active and will provide jobs, such as construction, public works or services.
- Third motive of optimism, the organization and structuring of the services of the Collectivity in the so essential field of professional training. It was necessary for enterprises that are in need of qualified staff; it was necessary also to enable each one to find his way in society. It was finally the prerequisite to mobilize European funds available in quantity in this field.
