Marigot:--- Territorial Councilor Guillaume Arnell in an interview with SMN News said that St. Martin would have to adjust itself if they want to be a part of Europe. Arnell said that elected representatives of Saint Martin has to make sure that Europe understands that St. Martin is different in several ways than that of Central Europe before they implement measures here.Arnell said before that can be done, St. Martin needs proper persons in the right positions to take the message to Brussels. He said unless St. Martin raises its scale politically then they would continue to discuss the islands' difficulties without finding the necessary solutions.
As for the budgetary problems, Arnell said the budget was never sincere because the budget must be balanced and it must be voted upon within a certain time frame. Arnell said all the budgets from St. Martin were insincere simply because those preparing the budget were making speculations on their incomes.
Arnell said because of the false speculations of income the expenses overthrew the income which left the RRR with no other choice but to file a request with the Prefet for him to have the Chambre Regional de Compte intervene. Arnell said it was because of the RRR group that the Prefet took measures with the budget and he is extremely angry at the Prefet who said that the local elected officials are irresponsible. Arnell said if anyone is to be considered irresponsible it's the State representative who did nothing with the budget until when the RRR group requested that he send the budget of the COM to the Chambre Regionale de Compte. Arnell said the Prefet on several occasions said the budget of the COM was balanced and now that the "shit has hit the fan" the Prefet should also assume his responsibilities. Arnell said the Chambre Regional de Compte wants St. Martin to increase Turn over Tax by 2% but that he said is not possible with the current economic situation. Arnell said the RRR formulated a motion which they sent back to the Chambre Regionale de Compte informing them that St. Martin cannot comply with their advice which is to increase the Turn over Tax since they cannot put additional burden to their people. Arnell said that the ruling party acted irresponsible when they chose to suppress the Tax de la Fortune. The Territorial Councilor said the leading party in government lacks vision even though their slogan says otherwise, he said the elected officials knew that St. Martin would have lost the Octre de Mer funds.
Arnell's Vision for the 2012 Elections.
Arnell said he made a commitment when he merged with other parties and they formed the RRR group. He said he would remain a part of the group he is currently with. He assured that he will not seek leadership in the coming elections. He said he will stand strong behind Alain Richardson. He also announced that he will definitely be a candidate for the upcoming legislative elections since he personally believes that St. Martin needs proper representation on the State level.