PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Hon. Ted Richardson during a recent working visit to the Netherlands met with Dutch Minister of Interior and Kingdom Relations Ronald Plasterk. Also present during the meeting was Sint Maarten's Minister Plenipotentiary Hon. Mathias Voges.
Minister Hon. Ronald Plasterk commended Minister Richardson for resolving the RCN Cable issue between Sint Maarten and Dutch State Service Caribbean Netherlands which was done in a timely manner.
Minister Plasterk indicated that a solution was still needed with the Turn Over Tax (TOT) between Sint Maarten and the BES islands of Saba and St. Eustatius. Minister Richardson said he would speak with his colleague Minister of Finance Martin Hassink.
Minister Richardson emphasized that from an administrative perspective, it would be very challenging to let retailers make specific distinctions between consumers from Saba and St. Eustatius and other consumers. Minister Plasterk agreed with the fact that it's a complex situation, especially in cases of individual shoppers.
Minister Richardson told Plasterk that a possible solution could be the establishment of a "Transit Depot" where goods to Saba and St. Eustatius can transit through. Minister Plasterk appreciates the willingness to address this issue with Minister Hassink in continuing to seek a possible solution.
The Minister gave an explanation about his Road Map in an animated film and how Sint Maarten is in the process of expanding its hub function within the Caribbean similar to the Netherlands serving as a hub within Europe.
Minister Plasterk was very impressed with the content of the presentation and added it held great potential for areas of cooperation between Sint Maarten and the Netherlands (Saba and St. Eustatius).
Minister Hon. Ted Richardson also highlighted the country's process to set-up a Consumer Protection and Competition Authority, and it had now reached the stage of establishing the legislation.
The Minister's delegation comprised of Chef de Cabinet and Personal Advisor Ludwig Ouenniche and Jaap van Duinkerken from Ministry TEATT.
