The data the SHTA requested included: Room tax, Timeshare Tax, Car Rental Tax, Wage Tax, TOT, Electricity & Water consumption, Shipping volumes and import duties on gasoline up to January 2009. Instead, the SHTA received the figures up to October/ November 2008. The SHTA is very concerned and disappointed that the information ends then. For not only does this limit the extent to which they could prepare for the Summit, it also prevents all parties from analyzing the actual situation.
The financial meltdown of the American International Group (AIG) and Fannie Mae, which was the first indicators of the Financial Crisis, both occurred in mid-September; therefore the SHTA feels that the effects may not have been reflected in the figures provided.
Regardless of the lack of current data, the SHTA is pleased that all stakeholders have finally agreed to work together towards the common goal of obtaining relief for St. Maarten and will continue to be an active stakeholder in this effort.
