Philipsburg: --- Senator and Island Councilman George Pantophlet has taken the initiatives to discuss at least two issues that are pending and relates to St. Maarten with the newly appointed Minister of Justice Magali Jacoba.
The senator in a press release said he recently held discussions with the Minister concerning the implementation of the Brooks Tower Accord. Pantophlet said the Minister Jacoba said the Brooks Tower Accord would be implemented on October 31 and not September 15 as was reported. However, this is contingent on some judicial procedures that have to be finalized. In addition, the immigration and naturalization building is almost ready and the possibility exists that the personnel from the relevant departments from the Immigration and Police Affairs might be relocating there sometime this month. The Minister also emphasized that this is not a grace period or amnesty. The senator sent a strong message to not to use this opportunity not to apply for working permits for their employees. “The Protocol has three different categories and these will be published as soon as the legal procedures are completed. He cautioned that no one should under estimate the social and economic impact this protocol would have on St. Maarten.
The other issue that Senator Pantophlet discussed with Minister Jacoba is the legal positions of some brigadiers and inspectors at the St. Maarten Police Force (KPSSS). Pantophlet said the Minister informed him that she is working on trying to resolve the situation. She has requested certain information from the management of the police force, which will allow her to solve this problem once and for all. The Minister is working in close cooperation with the Lt. Governor and Local Chief of Police Mr. Franklin Richards in gathering the necessary information and in resolving the issue.
On the matter of Inspector Carlton Phillips, the Minister said that she could not go into any details as the matter is under investigation.