"It is unfortunate that political games are being played while we are striving to ensure that governing continues."
Philipsburg:--- The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams issued a statement on Monday dismissing allegations made on a news website regarding her sending a letter to Minister of Economic Affairs Romeo Pantophlet on the apparent inspection of an establishment reputed to be owned by a relative. "It is unfortunate that political games are being played at the moment while we are striving to ensure that governing continues. The attempts at manipulation, resulting in misinformation being distributed throughout the community, is contrary to ensuring that the people's business is taken care of. However, taking into consideration that I have always centered my administration on transparency and integrity, I would like to clarify the matter," commented the Prime Minister.
In the online article it is alleged that the PM penned a letter to the Minister of Economic Affairs regarding Labor and Immigration Controls that were executed at the beginning of the year. The Prime Minister confirmed that she did indeed write an email to the Minister of Economic Affairs, but that this was centered on permitting and the issuing of licenses and the difficulty businesses have in receiving licenses and permits on time. In the letter the Prime Minister stated that businesses are being fined despite the fact that their permits are still being processed: "Without these licenses, no request for employment permits can be made...Given this climate out there, should you (Minister Pantophlet) not issue a general decree, summoning all businesses whose licenses (business a/o operational) are not yet completed to close shop until such are issued? I ask this, knowing full well that this is impossible, because a large percentage of the businesses will have to close due to the lack of one license or another; businesses where St. Maarteners and other locals are also employed. Is it fair to fine a business that after waiting for months on a decision on their license, decided –at their wits end and with leases to pay- to start operations?" stated the Prime Minister in her correspondence to Minister Pantophlet.
"This was a desperate salvo of Minister Duncan. Sometimes you could tell a lie by not telling the whole truth and by making this particular remark the Minister suggested that the Prime Minister Issued a directive or more regarding the controls that have been taken place on St. Maarten. In fact, the email, not the letter which was erroneously reported, that the Prime Minister sent to several Ministers following a discussion by several Ministers in the Council of Ministers on the topic is there for anyone who wishes to read it," concluded the PM.
From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister
