PHILIPSBURG:--- The United Peoples Party Faction submitted a budget amendment and four motions on Friday as they continue to debate the 2022 budget. While there RMR has not given its approval for St. Maarten to submit a budget with a deficit it is expected that will be done in early February.
Below you will find the summary for the budget amendment: Strengthen the high councils and advisory bodies:
The Ombudsman, Council of Advice, General Audit Chamber, SER, and the National Security Service all receive an increase of up to 50,000 Nafl Each
The Ministry of VSA is given 200,000 to buy self-test to offer free of charge to Pensioners, those on onderstand and others with limited financial means to buy tests
The Ministry of TEATT will get funds to train more inspectors to the BAVPOL level, strengthening the law enforcement ability of the department. The Minister is budgeted an extra 150,000 NAFL to address urgent issues with ATC personnel.
Carnival is adjusted to ensure it is moved from a Subsidy to a Marketing Contract which will have 2023 carnival going on public, local bid.
ECYS will receive an extra 50,000 NAFl for environmental studies.
Funds will come from bringing the integrity chamber back to the level as prescribed by law (it was at 2.4 million but the law says it should be between 1.5 and 2 million). While they are still the highest budgeted council, this at least brings them closer in line to the rest.
Motions were also submitted one for the preclearance facility at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE), another for e-sports, a third motion for the Ministry of VSA to denounce immediate dismissal of employees that are not vaccinated, a fourth for the Minister of Finance to address the deficiencies within the banking sector, such as respecting the rights of people to open a bank account in a fair amount of time.
Motions submitted by the UPP Faction in parliament.