The source said the department took the necessary precautions to make sure that no license would leave the Civil Registry bearing the signature of any Lt. Governor under country St. Maarten since that function no longer exists. SMN News also learnt that persons who are supposed to receive their identification cards also fall in the same predicament because the pre-printed cards has "Netherlands Antilles" on them but a decision was made to use them during the transition period, however that decision was revoked because there are still problems with the logo for country St. Maarten.
Reliable information states that the Minister of General Affairs, Prime Minister Sarah Wescot Williams has decided not to us use St Maarten logo on the identification cards and driver's license because it is not yet ready, but these licenses and identification cards will have the coat of arms. SMN News further understands that the civil registry already ordered the pre-printed cards but it will only be available until January 2011. Persons who are supposed to have a valid license and cannot get one can check with the civil registry later this week to pick a document that is approved by the Police Traffic Department and the Prosecutor's Office. Drivers who receive such a document will not be fined if they are controlled by the police. However, it is not yet clear if the document will be accepted by the insurance companies on the island.
While the new licenses and identification cards will not bear any one person's signature it will have the Ministry that approved the license. Another setback for the Civil Registry is the conflicts in the laws pertaining to government structures. The source said the general secretary for the Prime Minister Julian Larmonie already indicated to the Prime Minister that some of the laws have to be revised and amended to avoid conflicts.
A press release from the government information service states that the department is currently working on a solution to the problem. So far all stakeholders have been informed about the situation. A temporary solution has been proposed and the department is awaiting confirmation.
