Philipsburg: --- Tension raised last night at the Cultural Center when Imran Macsood CEO of Nagico insurances shared his view on the new labour policy which is to be implemented on Monday January 12 2009.Macsood said no one should cast the blame totally on the island government for such a stringent policy, instead the tripartite committee are the ones who are to be held responsible for not sharing the content of the policy they discussed for two years prior to its formulation and implementation. He asked if the unions who were involved, the SHTA and Chamber of Commerce are not representing foreigners because he cannot comprehend why the tripartite committee withheld this information from the general public who will be affected. He said while the intension of these persons maybe good the perception and reality of what is now on paper is definitely not the same. Macsood said while Damu and James the two other panelist gave some valuable insights in the matter he felt there is urgent need to follow through on the ideas that was given by James which is to join forces with the Nation Building Foundation to bring about a solution which will benefit everyone involved. He said SNBF has the marshal plan which not only represents the natives of St. Maarten but also immigrants whom the foundation recognizes are an asset to St. Maarten. Macsood said that foreigners should recognize that the island natives are friendly and charming people who treated people well. Furthermore he do believes that the forefathers and the natives of the island should be given priority not only on St. Maarten but everywhere. He urged those living here, should learn to integrate into the local society. "Those of you who chose to get naturalized you have to know that you cannot be a Dutch citizen and a Guyanese at the same time. Those of you who do not feel that way then you need to analyze your thinking since you made a conscious choice to become a Dutch citizen." Macsood said.
He said even though this policy will affect everyone on St. Maarten there is still hope as people are willing to discuss and dialogue to bring about a solution since that is of immense value. He gave an example on what President Elect Obama did which was to bring people together to bring change. He warned that the people of St. Maarten should take warning as to what is happening in the United States of America since the economic crisis there would definitely affect us here locally.
The panelist includes Damu of Penny's Department Store, Imran Macsood, Leopold James and President of the Jamaica Association Marsha Thomas with moderator Elco Rosario founder of the CBA. Rosario said the new labor policy as it stands already contradicted the island resolutions who said a Managing Director of any company cannot be considered an employee. He also condemned the reasons the island government gave for introducing the new policy, claiming that foreigners are responsible for crime and other social ills in the community. Rosario said the policy has to be contested simply because there are people in the community who are already making deals with government to get the necessary working documents.Elridge Van Putten in his passionate plea said he applauded the policy because government finally realized that they need to bring about order in the house. He said far too long things have been out of order because locals are not able to get jobs locally. Van Putten further said that the island government had to create this policy because the bigger businesses on St. Maarten were forming mock companies to get work permits. He felt that the policy is not against foreigners instead it is to regulate foreigners since there is a great imbalance which to him is not unfair instead their need to be some sort of social balance.
The CBA also handed out a petition which they intend to submit to the island government mainly the Lt. Governor to see if the island government would postpone the implementation date until the policy is further dialogued.
