Marigot:--- Several businesspersons within the community are now asking questions as to the purpose of the trip that was made to Monaco. According to information, reaching SMN News, first Vice President Daniel Gibbs along with the Director of the Port Alberic Ellis went to Monaco and no one knows exactly the purpose of the trip.
They said to date no official report was not made and what were the accomplishments of the trip? SMN News also learnt that Gibbs and Ellis went to a boat show, and the expenses were paid for by the St. Martin Ports Services. It is also said the first vice president went to research another business venture that may be profitable to St. Martin.
Most importantly, the business people said they were on board an Air France Flight, which had at least three elected officials, namely Daniel Gibbs, Annette Philips, and Ida Zin-ka Ieu who were all travelling in first class while Alberic Ellis and the business people were all sitting in coach. “one has to wonder how serious are these people since the COM has no monies to pay its bills and the elected is travelling first class with tickets that cost three times more than a ticket in economic class.”
It is understood that Zin ka- Ieu was returning from the Top Resa with Phillips, while Gibbs and Ellis were returning from Monaco.
The business people said they have read several newspaper reports, which stated that the Collectivity is in financial predicament, and yet the elected officials are travelling first class.
SMN News learnt that the COM just recently made a request to the State to borrow some 20 million Euros so that they can meet their daily expenses. It is said the COM managed to borrow enough monies to pay the 700+ employees up until the end of the year and there is no guarantee they would get monies to take them through the early months of 2010.
Several questions are also being posed on the Euros 40,000 that was spent in Europe to make a new logo for the Office du Tourisme. The business people wants to know what would the new logo do for the economic crisis facing the French side of the island and if the President of the EPIC could not find someone locally to make this logo for less money if it is so needed. The business people are also asking what is Zin- Ka Ieu priorities, they said they want to know what kind of marketing is done for St. Martin and if the French is going to continue to keep their focus in Europe or if they would enhance their promotions in the US. One businessman said he understood the French side tourist office is not working with the Dutch side. It is said the two offices are at odds since the French side refuse to continue its marketing efforts with the Dutch side.
SMN News also understands that Zin Ka Ieu is already having problems with her new director Corine Picaut. It is said the president is now trying to see if she can dissolve the contract she gave to Picaut. It said Zin ka Ieu believes that the director might be a good person to advertise the island but lacks other managerial skills.
SMN News also learnt that the Union Pour Progres met where they decided they would change the organic law, which would give the President more power while reducing the power of the vice presidents. It is said the leader of the Union Pour le Progres wants the president to decide what portfolios each vice president holds and not the executive council.
