Philipsburg:--- Operation Clean Sweep is a joint action consisting of the Immigration and Border Protection Service (IBP), VKS, Marechaussee (Kmar), Inspectorate VSA, Labor Department, Police Department, and SZV.
During February and March 2013 Operation Clean Sweep conducted a number of random controls throughout various areas on the island. During these controls several restaurants, bars, hotels, security companies, supermarkets and casinos were inspected.
The established controlled were advised on regulations, some were issued written warnings and others fined dependent upon the violation.
A total of 19 establishments were inspected including supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, bars, security companies, and casinos.
16 Fines were issued for not complying with the Labor laws.
Immigration:
51 persons were brought in by the Immigration Mobile Control Unit. 6 persons were given a six week period to leave the island. Before leaving they were required to report every other week to the Immigration office. This measure was given due to the lack of holding cells.
30 persons were naturalized Dutch whom, at the time of inspection were not in possession of their documents.
15 persons were in possession of incorrect work permit (working for a different company). They were fined for this infraction.
Inspectorate VSA, Labor Department
One business had 1 person who was not insured, 5 business were not registered,12 businesses did not have a visible work schedule for employees and labor inspectors, 8 businesses did not have a personnel list, 3 businesses did not had an overtime list, 1 business did not have a general provision regarding working hours and rest periods, 1 business did not pay overtime to their employees.
Safety:
2 business were fined for unsanitary and insufficient urinals.
2 businesses did not take measures to prevent irritating vapors, gases or dust in their establishment.
2 businesses did not take measures to prevent accidents or have in place the standard procedures necessary to provide assistance in case of accidents.
1 business did not comply with clean drinking water regulations (must be available to employees free of charge).
These actions will continue this week.
We are hereby advising all businesses to have all of their documents in order, such as business register, a personnel list, overtime register, labor registration list, accident insurance, work schedule, insurance, and working hours list.
All persons should walk with valid identification and residence/work permits.
And for safety compliance:
For all businesses, changes to be made if not present should include:
• Cleanliness
• procedures in case of accidents
• clean drinking water for employees
• sufficient daylight and efficient artificial lighting
• sufficient ventilation
Press Release from Immigration and Border Protection Service St. Maarten
