"I wish to congratulate the members of Parliament on both sides of the isle for their critical participation in the process and although I would have preferred that all members by means of their vote, took a position on the budget, that this did not take place, is a responsibility of the individuals who chose not to.
"While we completed the process in a much shorter time than we did with the budget 2011, it remains a short time before the deliberations for the budget 2013 must begin.
"The government can nevertheless prioritize its governing program in concrete actions for the balance of 2012. The debates in government and parliament have again demonstrated that we are in different times, not only constitutionally, but also economically. I want to therefore reiterate that our current financial policies (and agreements) need to allow the flexibility to adjust to the new economic realities we face as a country.
"I am hopeful that the new Chairman of the Committee of Financial Supervision CFT sees matters in this light as well, if one considers the CFT's initiative for an economic conference this past week," Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot Williams pointed out on Sunday.
The Prime Minister says that connecting the dots now more than ever, the aligning of policies across the public and private spectrums, is a must.
"In the new constitutional status and the largely independently operating ministries, this alignment is a challenge. Nevertheless, Government has initiated the process of drafting an Economic Investment Plan for the next 10 years.
"For this plan to be effective, it needs to be an island wide plan, which should include the examination of the factors impeding economic growth as a matter of priority. I believe however, that these impediments are known and thus eliminating these is activity # 1.
"The tax system is another dot to be connected. And for both plans, reliable data is paramount. The circle will not be complete, without a reference to governmental matters, such as the civil service. The processes are reminiscent of the formulation of the Social Economic Initiative SEI and IVB programs, which are now coming to an end. A big difference being that it is now solely our responsibility to get it right and make it durable.
"Is Government coming back on its word, e.g.in the case of the EWE development? No, but we have looked at this development, also with a view on the new socio economic realities.
"A balance between the two (economy and environment) will always be a topic of much debate. Some peripheral issues with respect to the restrictive monetary measures taken by the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten, while I have some understanding for the preemptive action by the Bank, the government of Sint Maarten will have to urgently consider necessary mitigating measures.
"All in all, the Bank's measures cannot be seen in isolation, at least not by the government. And thirdly, we need to create some tranquility in the zone of central banking. This saga is hurting our country more than one would imagine at first glance," Prime Minister Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams, outlined on Sunday.
