PHILIPSBURG:--- Several Members of Parliament that have family members that have garbage collection contracts with government met sometime last week to discuss how they will by-pass the bidding process this year for the collection of garbage, a source close to the MPs told SMN News.
SMN News learnt some Members of Parliament wants to remove Claudius Buncamper from his post because he is the one that has to put the collection of garbage on bid, which Buncamper intends to do because that is what the law dictates.
However, certain MPs that are related to the persons who hold garbage collection contracts do not want to go through the bidding process but simply extend the contracts that were issued in May 2011, those contracts will expire in May 2016. Because of that the bidding has to start now in order to have garbage collectors in place when the current contracts expired.
Those persons that currently have contracts to collect garbage are “All Waste in Place” which is owned by James Richardson, his brother is the current chairman of Parliament, Clean St. Maarten owned by Boykie Mendez a close friend to MP Theodore Heyliger, Leonard’s Enterprises, the father of MP Tamara Leonard and Meadow Lands N.V that is owned by Godfrey Richardson. These persons had a five year contract that will expire next year and the bidding must take place soon. By extending the current contracts other garbage collectors will be left out and the process will not be free and fair for all persons doing that type of business.
SMN News learnt that the decision on whether or not to put to the garbage contracts has to be taken by the Minister of VROMI and not the department heads.
When contacted Buncamper said he is not aware of any changes and he is not the one that has to decide on the bidding process. Buncamper did not make any further comments on this issue claiming he is not aware of what is taking place behind close doors.
