Philipsburg: ----The chamber of commerce has organized a work shop which will serve as pre-summit workshop yesterday to discuss matters pertaining to the global economic crisis. Attending that meeting yesterday was several stakeholders of the business community which includes the SHTA, Chamber of Commerce and the island government, specifically the economic affairs department.President of the Chamber of Commerce Glen Carty in his opening remarks explained that the commissioner of economic affairs Maria Buncamper Molanus is the one who suggested that they hold a summit during a meeting that was held by the commissioner. Carty said during that meeting they were given a presentation which consisted of figures from 2007 and 2008 as well as a trend of what is presently taking place in the economic sector.
The chamber president said at that meeting they made certain suggestion to the commissioner asked for their input as stakeholders. He said when that suggestion was made he realized that their input was of such great importance that he decided to hold a summit something the commissioner agreed that the private sector and the unions should gather information which will be presented at this summit.
He said the reason for the pre-summit is because everyone in the different areas of the private sector is looking for solutions which will be presented to the island government.
Carty said the Chamber has gathered some professionals who already worked closely with the economic department. He said these professionals will be presenting to the Chamber as well as the commissioner their findings in the pre summit which would enable them to better organize themselves for the summit.
The main idea he said is when this information is presented they would be able to vet it out and come up with one solid document for that summit.
Commissioner of Economic Affairs Maria Buncamper Molanus applauded the stakeholders for the initiative they have taken which would bring about an open discussion aimed at tackling the global economic crisis which is affecting or may affect St. Maarten.
She said the island government already took some initiatives to mitigate these issues however they thought it important to make this discussion on a broader base with the other stakeholders of the private sector.
The commissioner said since the chamber of commerce is the place where all businesses are registered they felt it was the place to start or even take on the leading role. She further explained that she is extremely content to see that the chamber has invited other organizations to be part of this discussion. She also applauded the Chamber of Commerce and the SHTA who just recently signed a protocol, this she said goes to show all parties are working in the best interest of the island; something she described a big step in the right direction.Buncamper Molanus said now that most if not everyone has gotten on board she is sure they would come up with solutions and other suggestions to help mitigate the global crisis. However, she warned that the island will be facing a challenge since they would be steady questions as to what else can be done to find more solutions.
She called on the parties present to evaluate the situation as is today as well as the steps that have already been taken by the island government, the private sector and use the information as a premise to go further since she is curious on their pre-investigation has produced.
She also reminded the gathering that no one island is the same and is no one size shoes fitting all since all the islands are different. "What might work for other islands may simply not work here and vise versa. While St. Maarten is unique there must be a custom made approach.
Emile Lee from the SHTA said he is thankful for these efforts. He said the SHTA is curious to see what the island government has done to mitigate this situation since many people under estimates how soon the impact of the economic global crisis will impact St. Maarten and how profound that impact is going to be. He said what is important at this is time is "time is of the essence".
