PHILIPSBURG: ----Responding to questions surrounding the implementation of the bicycle patrol that was launched in December to help combat crime. Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper Molanus said that she believes that there was some sort of breakdown in communication with regards to informing the police on the project. She said however, that when the executive council received the advice from the traffic and controls department it was their opinion that department had conducted the necessary discussions with all parties prior to submitting the advice, she said based on the advice they received that is what was reflected. The commissioner said she felt if the security officers were residing and working on the island illegally then the immigration department would have executed their duty by having the men picked up and deported. SMN News learnt that the working permits for the officers of the bicycle patrol were processed within a few hours after this media house broke the story.
The commissioner said she has been trying to secure a meeting with the Assistant Chief Commissioner of Police Richard Panneflek and police coach Ronald Dongor which to date cannot take place. She said she felt the island government did the honorable thing when they approved the advice given to them on the bicycle patrol since the police department has been constantly complaining that they are short of staff.
Buncamper Molanus said that she believes the additional security was warranted in the Philipsburg area due to the increase in violent crimes which has been plaguing the economic development on St. Maarten.
She said she felt the police would have felt that they got some sort of relief and they would use their men in other locations where it is much needed. She felt that was the spirit in which the project was embraced and felt everyone should embrace matters of security on same level. She said what transpired has to be some sort of miscommunication with the police which to her it was not intentional.
Asked if she or her husband is shareholders of the Sheriff Security company, the commissioner who obviously became aggravated said that if anyone can show her some sort of proof to that then would claim her dividends from the company if it is making profits. She said it is ridiculous for her to have to answer questions each time she is accused of conflict of interest just because the opposition the National Alliance tried to break the present DP led government but failed.