Philipsburg:--- The draft agreement presented to the Prime Minister of St. Maarten Sarah Wescot Williams between the Nieuw Post Netherland Antilles (NPNA) and Postal Services St. Maarten (PSS) is still not signed. Sources close the Prime Minister's cabinet said the Prime Minister still wants some changes to be made to the draft agreement. Those changes they say are in the interest of the NPNA workers on St. Maarten. "Our Prime Minister wants to make sure NPNA takes it's responsibility when it comes to the workers' rights and benefits, therefore, she believes that has to be clearly outlined in the draft agreement which will expire on December 31 2011." SMN News also learnt that the St. Maarten Communication Union (SMCU) is trying to force the government of St. Maarten to sign an agreement with them. The source said SMCU wants to make sure both the union and NPNA is relieved of its financial responsibilities but the government of St. Maarten refused to enter into any agreement with the union since it is not relevant to the draft agreement they worked on late Wednesday night. While the government of St. Maarten, the NPNA, and PSS are continuing to stall the process to reopen the Philipsburg Post Office, the Chamber of Commerce has initiated a court case against NPNA and PSS. President of the Chamber of Commerce Glen Carty said a number of businesses on St. Maarten are being affected by the closure of the Post Office and the injunction that was filed by HBN law is to force all parties to come to an agreement and reopen the Post Office. Carty further explained that the economy of St. Maarten is already very bad and now that the Post Office is closed that will make the economy even worse. Attorney at Law Maarten Le Poole said the injunction was filed on Friday and the hearing is scheduled for Monday afternoon. Le Poole said the petitioner is the Chamber of Commerce while the defendants are PSS and NPNA. SMN News will bring you more information as both parties progress with the negotiations.
