It may not be earth-shattering news, but Parliament going back to physical gatherings sends a welcome message that the country is – slowly but surely – putting the worst of the COVID-19 crisis behind it. Virtual meetings were an appropriate way to keep “the people’s business” going, but the legislature has an exemplary function.
After all, if teachers and pupils returning to the classroom was considered safe enough, why should the same not hold true for their elected representatives? The members and visitors will obviously have to wear masks while adhering to social distancing and hand hygiene rules.
Although working and learning at home were understandably promoted during the height of the pandemic locally, not everyone was able to do so in an optimal manner. To avoid any discrepancies, it seems better to go back to a more level playing field that depends less on individual circumstances including finances.
The reality is that COVID-19 will be an issue for several more months until an effective vaccine is widely distributed. St. Maarten, just like the rest of the world, must try to live with it in the meantime.
It is therefore good to learn that just like at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA), the number of passengers arriving in Aruba who test positive remains relatively small. This proves both Dutch Caribbean countries were right in reopening to the biggest markets of their dominant hospitality industries to limit the already-significant socioeconomic damage, despite advice to the contrary.
The next step would be so-called rapid testing, once the results are recognised as sufficiently reliable, which could also help get cruise tourism back on track. The latter is of great importance to the entire island and particularly Philipsburg.
Make no mistake, continued liquidity support from the Netherlands will still be needed for quite a while. However, the people’s livelihood must be restored as best possible, sooner rather than later.
