The Minister added that he does not have to be given a lecture on whose money the US$10 million belongs too, but the point is that accountability on how every cent is spent comes back to those who have been appointed and elected by the people of Sint Maarten.
"I have never accused any particular private sector group or any stakeholder of wanting to take over the NTO. To the contrary, the NTO is good for the destination; however Government must have some involvement. I believe in privatization.
"The NTO will guarantee a public/private partnership. The board will comprise of nine members and the Sint Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) as a private sector stakeholder, will have 1/9 of the say," Hon. Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications Franklin Meyers, explained on Wednesday.
Minister Meyers added that while Sint Maarten may be one of the few islands in the region lacking an NTO, the Aruba NTO was only approved by the Parliament of Aruba two months ago.
"Tax payer's money has been spent in researching our own NTO. In the case of Aruba, the hotel association covered the costs of all studies, not the public sector of Aruba, but the private sector.
"I would like the public to understand that the NTO is part and parcel an entity that would assist where we want to be from an economic perspective. All stakeholders must have an input, must be involved in coming with realistic ideas and solutions in order to move our country forward.
"We have done so in the past, and we can do so now. What makes a successful destination involves many variables including having sufficient room inventory which translates into additional airlift. Everybody has a role to play and have to do their part, including when we do have an NTO.
"Every member represented on the board, representing various stakeholders within our country, will have a role to play in moving this country forward including the Government and Parliament of Sint Maarten. Any relationship is based on the principles of mutual respect and trust. Let us work together and practice what we preach in dealing with the challenges that confront our country," Hon. Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Franklin Meyers concluded.