PHILIPSBURG:--- Representatives of Soualiga Social Movement met with the Social Economic Council to discuss the role of NGO's in the socio-economic development of Sint Maarten. The Social Economic Council has to give solicited and unsolicited advice to government pertaining matters of socio-economic nature.
Both parties sat at the table to discuss the role of NGO's in today's society. SSM pointed out that there has been a symposium on corporate social responsibility organized by the SER and wanted to know how the SER envisions the role of NGO's in the socio-economic development of Sint Maarten. The SER emphasized on the importance of public-private partnership and that one cannot do without the other. Furthermore, the concept of a "social summit" was discussed. This is a program that SSM is working on and that should give a clear helicopter view of the general needs and issues in Sint Maarten and where and how NGO's can work together to increase effectiveness in the usage of funds and human resources.
It was recognized that there are many social ills in Sint Maarten and the SER supports social initiatives to tackle these issues. The SER encouraged SSM to continue addressing these issues and offered their assistance in channeling proposals to government. SSM was asked to put some of their ideas on paper pertaining structuring NGO's and the involvement of NGO's in decision making. It was agreed upon that both parties would meet again in August to continue talks.