PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Labour Day 2020, is marked by the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA) Richard Panneflek said on Friday.
“As a nation, we are at an extremely difficult time in our national development. The labor force of the country is facing challenges never experienced in our period of history. In order to address the COVID-19 public health pandemic, the Government of Sint Maarten has taken many measures to halt the spread and protect the people and our most vulnerable in our communities. By staying at home, we are helping to save lives.
“The public health measures at the same time impact our national economy and the labor force. They have disrupted business activity and jobs and have caused unimaginable inconvenience for the nation.
“This is an unprecedented public health event, and the Government has established the Sint Maarten Stimulus and Relief Plan to help businesses that are severely affected and for those who are at risk of losing their jobs. Therefore, the creation of an additional social safety net is seen as an essential component in order to achieve a phased recovery of the national economy.
Minister Panneflek would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all the workers of Sint Maarten for their contributions over the decades, for what we have been able to achieve in building the country Sint Maarten.
“Prior to this pandemic, the rebuilding effort after the hurricanes of 2017 was well underway, but these efforts have been stalled due to COVID-19.
“We are a resilient people. We have a resilient workforce, and we shall overcome this too.” Minister Panneflek would like to express my gratitude on behalf of a grateful nation, to all our front-liners who are on the COVID-19 battlefront.
“All our front liners are playing key roles, from the teachers assisting our children with homeschooling, to the volunteers who are helping the most vulnerable with the delivery of the essentials, to the police and marines and other law enforcement agencies that are providing security, to the workers at our ports of entry who ensure cargo shipments continue to come in, and to our healthcare professionals who are on the front lines; I say thank you on this labor day 2020 from a grateful nation.
“On this labor day, we must remain unified, and in solidarity with one another, and as a resilient people and nation, we shall overcome, and we shall be better than ever. May you have a healthy labor day, stay safe, as we are Sint Maarten Strong together, thank you,” Minister of the ministry VSA Richard Panneflek said on Friday in his labor day message.
