"International and regional funding sources discussed"
PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Hon. Ted Richardson met with Director Koen Davidse from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs during a recent working visit to the Netherlands.
Minister Richardson addressed the challenges Sint Maarten is experiencing in qualifying for programs that are funded by international agencies such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) or any other regional or international facility where the country is not a member.
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated its willingness to address the funding issue with IDB.
Minister Hon. Ted Richardson gave an example where entities that Sint Maarten is a member of and pays its annual dues, receives funds from the very same organizations that the country is not able to access direct funds.
Entities such as the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), and the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunication Organizations (CANTO) receive funding from international financial institutions.
Sint Maarten is considering discontinuing its membership with organizations that cannot have the country as part of its qualifying members. The Minister explains that this could have negative consequences for the country's tourism and telecommunication sectors.
Minister Richardson points out currently, funding for several social, educational and environmental programs are passing the country by – not qualifying – even in cases where the Kingdom of the Netherlands is a member such as with the IDB.
The Minister also addressed the issue where locally established companies such as Ballast Nedam, Windward Roads or MNO, are not able to qualify for bids in the case of international tenders while infrastructure projects are carried out in the Caribbean Region.
The Kingdom is well known for its participation financially in assisting developing countries and the minister stressed that all businesses in the four countries of the Kingdom should be considered to participate.
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it could not find any reason why Sint Maarten companies could not participate and qualify to bid in international tenders.
Minister Richardson presented his road map and elucidated on developments regarding the sub hub function of the country to Panama.
The Minister also informed the ministry of his efforts in creating an airlift from China to Sint Maarten via the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE has indicated to be interested in an air traffic agreement with Sint Maarten.
The last point raised was the state of affairs concerning the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) and the representation of Sint Maarten.
The Minister's delegation comprised of Chef de Cabinet and Personal Advisor Ludwig Ouenniche and Jaap van Duinkerken from Ministry TEATT.
