It has been reported in the media with information provided by the Minister of Finance Roland Tuitt that Government intends to increase casino fees to raise over Naf. 7 million. The 2013 budget is Naf. 476 million or Naf. 43 million more than the 2012 budget (Naf. 432.5 million). The NA led Government has managed within the past seven months since they took over to increase the budget by Naf. 43.5 million.
The St. Maarten Casino Operators Association have emphatically stated back in December that no single casino operator, nor the casino operators as a whole have agreed to paying increased casino fees to the tune of Naf. 7.5 million, or any other amount.
Minister Tuitt told the press that he had met with the major stakeholders in the casino business about increasing casino fees and that it was agreed that the best route to take is to increase the fees on the tables and the machines, but then he was rebuked by the casino operators a day or two later.
We have to question where is this country heading? Railroading its way through seems to be this government's preference. We have seen it with the illegal filling in of protected areas of the Great Salt Pond.
The concern of the UP parliamentary faction is jobs. Will an increase in casino fees impact jobs within the casino sector? If so, how many jobs could be lost if government goes forward with increasing fees in the manner they have proposed? Will casino workers have to see cuts in salaries if government increases fees?
Are follow-up meetings planned with the casino sector to develop a comprehensive, fair and economically realistic approach to a new tax and fee system for the country? Is the increase in casino fees part of the 2013 budget?
Has the Minister of Finance entertained the idea to carry out a comprehensive study of the casino industry? Did the casino operators submit an impact plan to the Minister showing what the negative consequences would be?
Such a study would allow Government to have the basis for developing a fee system that would guarantee the continued existence of the sector on the island therefore ensuring the protection of current jobs and salaries.
This uncaring attitude and approach by the Minister of Finance is creating frustration within the community and causing unnecessary panic among the workers.
Sylvia Meyers
Interim Faction Leader United People's (UP) Party, Member of Parliament
