Airport: --- State Secretary of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Mrs. Ank Bijleveld Schouten, arrived on St. Maarten at 11 am yesterday morning. Bijleveld Schouten was welcomed at the PJIAE by Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards and leader of Government Sarah Wescot Williams.Media personalities were given the opportunity to take photos after which the State Secretary met with the island leader and chief of police prior to leaving the airport for her days activities while on St. Maarten. The purpose of the meeting at the airport was to give the State Secretary information on the Dutch Military policemen and technical assistants in the security chain. "We discussed the Safety Plan Netherlands Antilles, and ways to get money faster to St. Maarten," Bijleveld told reporters in a brief press conference. "I think we can reach an agreement about this issue in March, when there is a meeting of the political steering group." She said.
Shortly after that the state secretary met with the St. Maarten Housing and Trade Association who have been honking horns on the economical crisis.
Bijleveld-Schouten said that the SHTA is "very worried" about the economic situation on St. Maarten.
The SHTA are very worried about the decrease in the number of visitors from the United States to the hotels here. They want the Island Council and the Executive Council to make greater efforts to better economic situation."
In the afternoon, State Secretary, visited the No Kidding with Our Kids Foundation. The foundation provides a successful after-school care program in the district of Sucker Garden. Approximately 150 children who are kept busy with, among other things, homework counseling, sports, and handicraft and social skills are participating in this program. They also get a hot lunch every day which is partly funded by the Dutch funds.
She made clear that it is important for children to get an education but it is also important that they play and interact with each other.
Bijleveld-Schouten also touched on the constitutional reform, she said what is on paper looks good but they have to see if it would materialize practically. She also had a stern warning for Curacao regarding the May 15 referendum. She said Curacao must realize what they are doing in this process. And while they would be getting a good bit of monies the conditions are not negotiable.
While she assured that she is working for St. Maarten as being a country within the Netherlands.
