Philipsburg – In reference to the ongoing police controls that are taking place throughout the island, some individuals have casted doubt on the legitimacy and implementation of the tint ordinance. One of the major arguments has been that the tint is purchased to shield the occupants from the harmful rays of the sun as well as protecting the interior of the vehicle; tint that has been purchased by the hard-working, tax-paying citizens that are burdened by the high cost of living.Taking such into consideration, Stuart Johnson feels it necessary to revise the tint ordinance. Johnson, Vice-President of the Democratic Party board and a candidate of the same faction, also believes that serious adjustments should be made to the ordinance or even removed completely.
His claim is that the initial implementation of the tint ordinance took place during the time when a higher crime rate was said to be prevalent. "Where it concerns the crime issue, has this been effective with the tint ordinance a few years ago?" Johnson questions. "Have we seen a reduction in the number of crimes committed in relation to the tint ordinance? If we truly wanted the tint ordinance to be properly implemented utilizing a comprehensive approach, we should be seeing a complete ban of it being sold by retailers and wholesalers locally," he remarked further. The concern is that establishments are allowed to sell tint, thus hindering the effectiveness of the ordinance.
Johnson concludes that "We, the people of St. Maarten, must should come together to discuss and address this particular issue as well as other issues taking place in the community, such as education and crime, amongst other priority areas."
