First of all SMMC functions within a structure, governed by its Articles of Incorporation, in accordance with the Law on health institutions and other laws applicable in St. Maarten, including the Corporate Governance Act. In compliance with the law the SMMC has two governing bodies: the Board of Directors supervised by the Supervisory Council. The daily operations, the quality of care provided and the financial results are controlled or inspected by the internal Audit Committee, the independent Inspectorate of Health and an independent external auditor. There is also an independent Patient Complaint Committee. The SMMC is an open and transparent organization. We publish an annual report, including our financial statements, as required by law. These documents are public documents and controlled by the external accountant. We are accountable and responsible and we hold our laws high and upfront. If and when we make mistakes we correct them or address them through the proper channels. For the record we state that there is a system of control and supervision and of checks and balances in place at the SMMC.
Therefore the false statements of the SMMC having a General Director with several hats and several salaries and that he is "wheeling and dealing" and using the hospital for his own benefit is impossible and as such utter nonsense. One can only conclude that these false statements are meant to harm the good name and reputation of the SMMC and its General Director, Dr. George Scot.
Secondly, it should be stated for the record that since September 2009 SMMC has requested the mediation of the Labor Mediator Mr. Lopes in order to expedite the conclusion of the new CLA for our employees. On numerous occasions the Union, WIHCU, has been cancelling scheduled meetings. After lengthy negotiations the SMMC has submitted on July 15, 2010 a totally revised and improved CLA proposal to the Union. We are still waiting on their reaction conform the agreement made in the presence of the Government Mediator and their preparedness to continue and finalize the CLA negotiations for the benefit of our employees. Since August 15, 2010, as a responsible employer, we have been pressing all parties concerned to continue and finalize the CLA negotiations. We make a public appeal to the President of the WIHCU, Mr Julian Lynch, to rejoin the SMMC at the negotiation table presided by the mediator.
The latest incident regarding the "dispute" between two specialists is being handled in accordance with the established legal structure within the SMMC and Country St. Maarten. The Medical Staff of the SMMC, which is presided over by Dr. F. Holiday, is handling this issue. Their findings and recommendations will be presented to the General Director of the SMMC. According to the media Dr. Petit, who is a party in this dispute, has chosen to file a complaint with the police. Let justice take its course.
For the record, this incident has also been investigated by the Inspector of Health of St. Maarten who has confirmed by letter that the SMMC has not violated any law nor did the General Director act irresponsible or careless as has been insinuated in the media.
The Supervisory Council makes a strong appeal to all stakeholders in the Health Care Sector and the Community at large to work together in the continuous upgrading of safe and high quality of Health Care, which is to the benefit of everyone. The media has an important and educational role in our new Country and the workers in the media should be properly informed so they can in turn inform the public factually and unbiased. In a bid to share more in depth the facts related to the current statements we will invite the media to a press conference in which we will provide the relevant information and the proper documentation regarding the functioning of the SMMC.
In closing we wish to use this opportunity, as we approach the end of the year, to express our best wishes to the people of St. Maarten and that one and all have a safe and blessed Christmas and prosperous 2011. SMMC reiterates its commitment to you to continue ensuring safe, quality health care for the people of St. Maarten.
