Following Easter, much of St. Maarten’s attention turns to Carnival, with the village opening this Friday. During the next three weeks much of the population will be enjoying related festivities.
However, that must not translate to dereliction of duty. Revellers ought to remain keenly aware of and honour their main commitments, including job, school and family.
Also realise that April and May each have three public holidays during the week, when many employees are either off or must get paid extra to work. This already automatically leads to significant loss of production and/or increase in cost on a monthly basis, which is how most salaries are calculated and paid out.
The same goes for several other fixed expenses such as rent. In other words, the more holidays the greater difficulties businesses but also government and its entities may have to meet that month’s bills.
The latter is hardly a dramatic situation, but needs to be kept in mind. While celebrations are great, especially if they bring visitors that help boost the tourism economy, regular life does go on.
People’s responsibilities both individually and collectively never take a pause. They should continue to be met at all times.
